Mathematics Vocab-Prealgebra

Prealgebra

The study of sets of numbers and variables in math. May also include geometry.

Expression

A mathematical phrase that contains operations, numbers, and/or variables. This type of sentence does not have an equal sign.

Equation

A mathematical sentence that shows that two expressions are equivalent. May include variables.

Variable

A symbol in math that varies in value.

Term

A single part of an expression or equation that can be a number or a number with a variable. Like 5 or 7x.

Constant

A term in a math sentence that stays the same. It does not have a variable next to it. Like 8, but not 2y.

Coefficient

A number that is multiplied by a variable, usually in front of the variable. In 7h, 7 is the coefficient.

Operation/Operator

A sign that shows you what to do, such as + or -.

Multiplication

Repeated addition, usually written like 9x or 9(8-y).

Division

Repeated subtraction, usually written like a fraction.

Addition

A process of adding 2 or more things together.

Subtraction

A process of finding the difference between 2 numbers.

Commutative Property

The property that says the 2 or more numbers can be added or multiplied in any order. Does not work for subtraction or division.

Associative Property

The property that says that parenthesis can be rearranged in any way in addition and multiplication.

Distributive Property

The property that multiplies the term outside of the parenthesis by everything in the parenthesis. Like 2(3-x) = 6 - 2x.