BNU1501 Basic Numeracy Flashcards

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering the key concepts of the Basic Numeracy (BNU1501) course, including number sets, operations, measurements, geometry, and finance.

Natural numbers

The set of numbers used to count things, starting with one: ${1;2;3;4;5;...}$. Also known as positive integers.

Counting numbers

The set of natural numbers including the number $0$, written as ${0;1;2;3;4;5;...}$. Also called non-negative integers.

Integers

The set formed by combining negative integers, zero, and positive integers: ${... -3; -2; -1; 0; 1; 2; 3; ...}$.

Real numbers

The set of all points represented on a solid number line.

Variable

A symbol for a number we do not know; it acts as a placeholder for an unknown value in expressions and equations.

Algebraic expression

A mathematical sentence or combination of numbers, operators, brackets, and variables, such as $3x-6$.

Equation

A statement saying that what is on the left of the equal sign ("$\text{=}$ ") is equal to what is on the right of it.

Coefficient

The number located directly in front of a variable in a term.

Constant

A fixed number that always maintains the same value.

Term

Components of a mathematical expression separated by $\text{+}$ and $\text{-}$ signs.

Exponent

A superscript number indicating how many times a base is multiplied by itself.

Sum

The answer obtained when numbers are added together.

Difference

The result obtained when one number is subtracted from another.

Product

The answer obtained when two or more numbers (factors) are multiplied.

Quotient

The result obtain from dividing a dividend by a divisor.

Reciprocal (Inverse of a number)

The result obtained when dividing $1$ by the number, such that for any base $a$, the inverse is $a^{-1} = \frac{1}{a}$.

Factor

A number by which another number can be divided without leaving a remainder.

Prime numbers

Numbers that have only two factors, namely $1$ and the number itself.

Lowest Common Multiple (LCM)

The smallest number that is a multiple of all numbers in a specific set.

Proper fraction

A fraction where the numerator is smaller than the denominator.

Improper fraction

A fraction where the numerator is larger than the denominator.

Mixed fraction

A combination of an integer and a proper fraction.

Percentage

An amount per hundred, written as a fraction with a denominator of $100$.

Ratio

A method of comparing two or more quantities, such as $40:1$.

Système international d’unités (SI)

The modern international system of units used for measurement.

Perimeter

The distance around the edge or boundary of a two-dimensional figure.

Area

The size of a surface, measured in square units such as $m^2$ or $cm^2$.

Hectare (ha)

A unit of land area equal to the size of a square with sides of $100\,m$, or $10,000\,m^2$.

Volume

The capacity of a three-dimensional object, measured in cubic units such as $m^3$.

Origin

The point where the horizontal $x$-axis and vertical $y$-axis intersect perpendicularly, indicated by zero.

Slope (Gradient)

The ratio of the change in the $y$-value between two points to the change in the corresponding $x$-value.

Principal (Present Value)

The original amount of money borrowed or invested before interest is applied.

Simple Interest

Interest calculated only on the principal amount, where $I = Prt$.

Compound Interest

Interest calculated at regular intervals where the interest is added to the principal for the next period, creating an interest-on-interest situation.

Annuity

A sequence of equal payments made at equal time intervals.

Amortisation

The process of paying off all liabilities of a mortgage loan (principal and interest) through equal payments at equal time intervals.