Algebra, Indices, Equation & Trigonometry

Algebra

The branch of mathematics dealing with symbols and the rules for manipulating those symbols.

Like Terms

Terms in an expression that have the same variable raised to the same power.

Cancellation

A method that only works for factors in an expression.

FOIL

A technique used for expanding the product of two binomials.

HCF

Highest Common Factor, the largest factor shared by two or more numbers.

Indices

Exponents that indicate how many times a base is multiplied by itself.

Base

The large number in an expression with an index or power.

Index/Power

The small number on the upper right-hand side indicating the exponent.

Prime Factorisation

The process of breaking down a number into its prime factors using a factor tree.

LCM

Lowest Common Multiple, the smallest multiple shared by two or more numbers.

Power of 1

Any number raised to the power of 1 is equal to itself.

Power of 0

Any base raised to the power of 0 equals 1, except when the base is 0, which is undefined.

Reciprocal

The flipped version of a number, represented as 1/x for x.

Equation

An expression that includes an equal sign, showing that two values are equal.

Rearranging Equations

The process of isolating the variable on one side of the equation.

Substitution

A method to check the solution of an equation by replacing the variable with a value.

Inequalities

Mathematical statements that compare two expressions, indicating one is greater or less than the other.

Quadratics

Polynomial equations where the highest power of the variable is 2.

Cubics

Polynomial equations where the highest power of the variable is 3.

Pythagoras

The theorem stating that in a right triangle, a² + b² = c².

Trigonometric Ratios

Ratios that relate the angles and sides of a right triangle (sin, cos, tan).

Angle of Elevation

The angle formed by the horizontal line and the line of sight to an object above the horizontal.

Angle of Depression

The angle formed by the horizontal line and the line of sight to an object below the horizontal.

Compass Bearings

Directions expressed using two compass directions and an acute angle.

True Bearings

A three-digit system for measuring angles clockwise from North.