Math Vocabulary Flashcards

Study Notes

Term: A unit in algebra which can be a single number, variable, or a combination of both multiplied together; separated by + or − signs.
Constant: A fixed numerical value in algebra, represented by standalone numbers or symbols (e.g., a, b, c); not a variable. For instance, in the equation "x + 5 = 9", the numbers 5 and 9 are constants.
Coefficient: A numerical factor that multiplies a variable in an algebraic expression. It appears before the variable (e.g., in 4x, the coefficient is 4).
Expression: A mathematical phrase that combines numbers, variables (like x or y), and operation symbols (add, subtract, multiply, divide), such as in the expression "a + 1".
Exponent: Indicates the power to which a number or expression is raised, often shown as a superscript beside the base number (e.g., in 2^3, the exponent is 3).
Evaluate: The process of substituting specific numbers for variables in an algebraic expression and performing operations to simplify it.
Numeric Expression: A mathematical sentence comprised of only numbers and one or more operation symbols, such as those for addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division.
Algebraic Expression: A mathematical phrase consisting of numbers, variables, and operation symbols that describes a quantity; for example, "3x" means 3 times the variable x.
Variable: A symbol, typically a letter (like x, y, or z), that represents a quantity which can change in a mathematical context or experiment.