Algebra Literacy Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is algebra?

A method for solving equations

A type of geometry

Numbers, symbols, and letters (correct)

Only variables and constants

What is a variable?

An unknown amount represented with a pronumeral (letter)

Define coefficient.

A number in front of a pronumeral

What is a pronumeral?

A letter that stands in place of a number Signup and view all the answers

Define expression in algebra.

A mathematical statement made up of terms that are added or subtracted, e.g., 2y-4x Signup and view all the answers

What is a constant?

A term that doesn't contain a pronumeral Signup and view all the answers

Define equation.

Two expressions joined with an equal sign Signup and view all the answers

What is a term in algebra?

Is either a single number or variable, or numbers and variables multiplied together, e.g., 7, x, 3x, 2y Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to expand an expression?

To increase in size, opposite to factorise Signup and view all the answers

Define factorise.

To take out a common factor from every term in an expression, rewriting the expression using brackets Signup and view all the answers

What is the highest common factor?

The largest number that is a factor of two or more other numbers Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to simplify an expression?

To write an expression in its simplest form Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to solve in mathematics?

To find the answer to something Signup and view all the answers

Define substitute in mathematics.

To replace one thing for another Signup and view all the answers

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!