Algebra Vocabulary Flashcards

Algebra Vocabulary

• Foil: A method for multiplying two binomials, producing four products which are then combined.
• Parent Function: The simplest function in a family that serves as a prototype for more complex functions.
• Arithmetic Sequence: A numerical pattern with a consistent increase or decrease (common difference) between terms.
• Ordered Pair: A pair of numbers (x, y) used to locate a point on a coordinate plane.
• Geometric Sequence: A sequence where each term is found by multiplying the previous term by a fixed, non-zero number (common ratio).
• Dependent: Refers to a system of equations with an infinite number of solutions, indicating a line overlap.
• Bivariate: Data involving two variables, often used in statistical analysis.
• Asymptote: A line that a graph approaches but never touches, indicating the behavior of a function as it diverges.
• Direct Variation: A linear equation that passes through the origin, expressed as y = kx, where k is a constant.
• Trinomial: A polynomial composed of three terms, often expressed in the form ax^2 + bx + c.
• Standard Form: The standard expression of a linear equation, represented as Ax + By = C.
• Domain: The set of possible x-values for a given relation or function.
• Inconsistent: Refers to a system of equations with no solution, indicating parallel lines that never intersect.
• Perpendicular: Lines with slopes that are opposite reciprocals, intersecting at right angles.
• Integers: The set of whole numbers and their negatives, covering both positive and negative values.
• Function: A relation where each input (x-value) corresponds to exactly one output (y-value).
• Scientific Notation: A method to express very large or small numbers, using powers of ten.
• Perfect Square: A rational number whose square root is an integer, such as 1, 4, 9, 16.
• Rate of Change: Another term for slope, representing the change in y over the change in x.
• Slope Intercept Form: A way to express linear equations as y = mx + b, where m is the slope and b is the y-intercept.
• System: A collection of equations or inequalities that share the same variables.
• Parallel: Lines that have the same slope but differ in y-intercept, thus never intersecting.
• X-Intercept: The point where a graph crosses the x-axis, indicating the values of x when y=0.
• Zero: Also referred to as the x-intercept, representing the solution of a function where y=0.
• Range: The set of possible y-values for a function or relation.
• Constant of Variation: The constant 'k' in direct variation equations, indicating the proportional relationship.
• Independent: A system of equations that has exactly one solution, meaning the lines intersect at a single point.
• Consistent: Refers to a system of equations that has at least one solution, indicating a solution exists.
• Discrete Function: A function made up of isolated points that are not connected.
• Origin: The point (0,0) where the x-axis and y-axis intersect on a graph.
• Axis of Symmetry: The vertical line that runs through the vertex of a parabola, dividing it into two mirror-image halves.
• Parabola: The U-shaped graph representing a quadratic function, defined by the equation y = ax^2 + bx + c.
• Radicand: The expression that lies under the radical sign in square roots or other root expressions.
• Coordinate Plane: A two-dimensional plane formed by the intersection of the x-axis and y-axis.
• Vertical Line Test: A method to determine if a relation qualifies as a function by checking if any vertical line intersects the graph at more than one point.
• Discriminant: The expression under the radical sign in the quadratic formula, used to determine the nature of roots.
• Point-Slope Form: A linear equation represented as y - y1 = m(x - x1), where (x1, y1) is a known point on the line.
• Continuous Function: A function with points that can be joined by a line or smooth curve without breaks.
• Non-linear: Functions that do not produce straight lines on a graph, often involving quadratic or higher degree equations.
• Binomial: A polynomial that consists of two terms, such as a + b.
• Vertex: The maximum or minimum point of a parabola, representing its highest or lowest value.