Week 2: Integer Exponents, Rational Exponents, and Radicals (Vocabulary)

Dependent variable

The variable in a model whose value depends on one or more independent variables; the output of the model.

Independent variable

The variable that is varied or controlled to determine the dependent variable in a model.

Algebraic term

A product of constants and/or variables (e.g., 3x^2, 4b, −27, 2z).

Algebraic expression

A single term or the sum of two or more terms.

Term

Each addend in an expression; in −2x^2 + 7x − 5, the terms are −2x^2, 7x, and −5.

Coefficient

The numerical factor in a term (e.g., in −2x^2 the coefficient is −2; in 7x it is 7; in −5 it is −5).

Constant term

A term with no variable; e.g., −5 in −2x^2 + 7x − 5.

Positive integer exponent

An exponent m > 0; a^m means a multiplied by itself m times.

Zero exponent

a