Algebra Vocabulary Flash Cards

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers fundamental algebraic terms, properties, and operations definitions provided in the lecture notes.

ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSION

An expression that contains at least one variable.

COEFFICIENT

A number in front of the variable in a term.

CONSTANT

A term with no variable.

CONVERSE

Opposite.

ASSOCIATIVE PROPERTY

For any numbers $a$, $b$, and $c$: $(a + b) + c = a + (b + c)$ and $(ab)c = a(bc)$.

COMMUTATIVE PROPERTY

For any numbers $a$, $b$, and $c$: $a + b + c = c + a + b$ and $abc = cab$.

DISTRIBUTIVE PROPERTY

For any real numbers $a$, $b$, and $c$: $a(b + c) = ab + ac$.

EQUATION

A mathematical sentence with an equal sign.

EQUIVALENT EXPRESSIONS

Expressions that are equal to each other.

EVALUATE

Replace each variable with a number and follow the order of operations.

INEQUALITY

A sentence that uses one of the following symbols: $<$, $>$, $\leq$, $\geq$.

INTEGER

The set of whole numbers and their opposites.

INVERSE OPERATIONS

Two operations that undo each other, such as addition and subtraction.

ISOLATE THE VARIABLE

Collecting like terms and/or using inverse operations to get the variable by itself on one side of an equation.

LIKE TERMS

Terms with the same variable raised to the same power (exponent).

SOLUTION

A value that makes the equation true.

SOLVE

To find a solution to an equation or inequality.

VARIABLE

A letter that represents one or more numbers.

VARIABLE EXPRESSION

A symbolic form made up of constants, variables, and operations.