TERM | DEFINITION |
Numerical Expression | An expression including only numbers and operators. Hence, no variables. |
Algebraic Expression | An expression that includes numbers and variables with operators. |
Parenthesis | " ( ) " Used to denote a grouping. |
Brackets | " [ ] " Used to denote a grouping. |
Braces | " { } " Used to denote a grouping. |
Symbol | Used to express a procedure in mathematics. EX: +, *, /, x, ( ), [ ], { }, etc. |
Operation | There are four basic operations in mathematics: addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. |
Coefficient | A number that is multiplied by the variable in an algebraic expression. |
Variable | A letter that represents a quantity that may change within the context of a mathematical problem. |
Constant | A fixed value in an expression. |
Exponent | A number that says how many times to use that number in a multiplication. It is written as a small number to the upper right of the base number. Also called a "power". |
Base | A number that will be raised by a power. Accompanied by an exponent. |
Evaluate | To determine or calculate the numerical value of a formula, function, or expression. |
Sum | The result of adding 2 numbers - addition. |
Difference | The result of subtracting 2 numbers - subtraction. |
Product | The result of multiplying 2 numbers - multiplication. |
Quotient | The result of dividing 2 numbers - division. |
Factor | A number that can be multiplied by another to get another number. |
Term | Either a single number or variable, or the product of several numbers and variables separated from another term by a + or - sign. In the expression 3 + 4x + 5yzw, the 3, the 4x and the 5yzw are all separate terms. |
Like Terms | Terms whose variables and exponents are the same. In the expression 3x + 4x + 2x2 + 3x2 , they can be combined to 7x + 5x2 . They cannot be combined further. |
Order of Operations | The process of evaluating an expression or equation to determine the correct outcome. This is the procedure by which an expression or equation is evaluated. P arentheses E xponents M ultiplication D ivision A ddition S ubtraction |
Equation | A statement that the values of two mathematical expressions are equal to eachother. |