Algebra Basics Flashcards

Algebra Basics

• Absolute Value
  Represents the distance from a number to zero on the number line. Denoted as |n|, it is always a positive value.

• Binomial
  An algebraic expression that consists of the sum of two distinct terms (e.g., 4x + x³).

• Coefficient
  The numerical factor in a term that comes before a variable, such as in 2x, where 2 is the coefficient.

• Distributive Property
  A rule for multiplying a number by an expression in parentheses (e.g., 2(x+y)), which involves multiplying each term inside the parentheses by the term outside.

• Evaluate
  The process of finding the value of an expression or solving an equation.

• Exponent
  A number indicating the power to which a base is raised, showing how many times the base is multiplied by itself.

• Factor
  As a noun, it refers to a number that divides another number evenly. As a verb, it refers to expressing a number or algebraic expression as a product of two or more terms.

• FOIL Method
  An acronym for First, Inner, Outer, Last, describing the order of operations when multiplying two binomials, allowing for the combination of unlike terms.

• Like Terms
  Terms that share the same variable raised to the same power, allowing them to be combined in expressions.

• Order of Operations
  The rule that determines the sequence in which operations (addition, multiplication, etc.) are performed in an expression.

• PEMDAS
  An acronym representing the Order of Operations: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division, Addition/Subtraction.

• Place Value
  Represents the numerical value a digit holds based on its position within a number (e.g., in 35.6, 3 is in the tens place and equals 30).

• Polynomials
  Algebraic expressions composed of multiple terms, which can include like or unlike terms.

• Power
  Refers to the product of identical factors.

• Scientific Notation
  A way of expressing numbers as 10^n, convenient for representing very large or small numbers. The exponent indicates how many decimal places to move.

• Simplify an Expression
  The act of performing all possible operations within an expression to condense it into its simplest form.

• Square Root
  A value that, when multiplied by itself, yields a specified quantity (e.g., the square root of 49 is 7).

• Term
  Can be a number, variable, or the product/quotient of numbers and variables (e.g., 2, x, or 2x).

• Unknown or Variable
  A letter or symbol that represents a solution to an equation.

Test your understanding of fundamental algebra concepts with these flashcards. This quiz covers key terms like absolute value, binomials, and coefficients to help reinforce your learning. Ideal for beginners in algebra.