Algebra Literacy Flashcards

Study Notes

Algebra Basics

Algebra combines numbers, symbols, and letters to represent mathematical relationships and problems.
Variables signify unknown amounts and are typically represented by letters (pronumerals).

Core Terms

A coefficient is a numerical factor that precedes and multiplies a variable in an expression.
Pronumerals represent values in equations and expressions, acting as placeholders for unknown quantities.

Types of Mathematical Expressions

An expression consists of terms linked by addition or subtraction, such as 2y - 4x.
Constants are fixed values that do not change and do not include pronumerals.
Equations are formed by equating two mathematical expressions with an equal sign.

Components of Algebraic Expressions

Terms can be solitary numbers (e.g., 7) or combinations of numbers and variables (e.g., 3x, 2y).
Simplifying ensures expressions are presented in their most compact form without changing their value.

Algebra Operations

To expand is to increase the size of an expression; this means to distribute and eliminate parentheses.
Factorising is the reverse of expanding, involving extracting a common factor from terms and rewriting the expression using brackets.

Common Mathematical Concepts

The highest common factor (HCF) is the largest number that can divide two or more numbers without leaving a remainder.
Solving a problem involves finding an answer or determining the value of an unknown variable.
Substituting refers to the process of replacing one term or variable with another to simplify or solve an expression.

Description

Test your knowledge of key algebra concepts with these flashcards. This quiz covers essential definitions such as algebra, variable, coefficient, pronumeral, and expression. Hone your understanding and prepare for more advanced topics in algebra!