Algebra 1 CP Vocabulary (Units 1-4)

Denominator

The part of a fraction that is below the line

Numerator

The part of a fraction that is above the line

Constant

A fixed, unchanging number

Variable

A letter that represents an unknown value

Coefficient

A number that is multiplied by a variable

Term

A single part of an expression (usually separated by addition or subtraction symbols) that consists of a single number, single variable, or the product of a variable and number

Expression

A mathematical phrase containing one or more terms and mathematical operations (does not include an equal or inequality sign)

Equation

A mathematical statement that two things are equal (contains an $=$ sign)

Inequality

A mathematical statement that two things are not equal (contains a $<$, $>$, $\le$, $\ge$)

Sum

Addition ($+$)

Difference

Subtraction ($-$)

Product

Multiplication ($\times$)

Quotient

Division ($\div$)

Distributive Property

$$a(b + c) = ab + ac$$

PEMDAS

Acronym for remembering the Order of Operations (Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally)

Rational Number

A number that can be written as a ratio of integers (fraction). In decimal form, the decimal either stops or repeats in a pattern.

Irrational Number

A number that can never be written as a fraction. In decimal form, it goes on forever and never repeats in a pattern.

>

Is greater than

<

Is less than

At Least / No Less Than

$$\ge$$

At Most / No More Than

$$\le$$

x-intercept

The point where a graph crosses the $x$-axis ($\#, 0$)

y-intercept

The point where a graph crosses the $y$-axis ($0, \#$)

Slope

Rate of change of a graph (steepness of a graph; rise/run)

Standard Form of a Linear Equation

$$Ax + By = C$$

Slope-Intercept Form

$$y = mx + b$$

Point-Slope Form

$y - y_1 = m(x - x_1)$ or $y = m(x - x_1) + y_1$

System

A set of two or more equations for which a common solution is sought

Solution

A value (or ordered pair) which, when substituted into an equation or system of equations, makes the statement(s) true