Algebra Vocabulary Flashcards
algebraic expression
a group of terms and numbers that are joined by addition or subtraction signs
monomial
a single algebraic term
binomial
an algebraic expression consisting of two terms
eg: 2x + 4
trinomial
an algebraic expression consisting of three terms
x² + 4x + 3
coefficient
the number that multiplies a pronumeral in an algebraic expression
in 3x - 5y:
the coefficient of x is 3
the coefficient of y is -5
index
a number indicating how many of a base term need to be multiplied together
for x², ² is the index
exponent
another term for an index (plural is indices)
linear equation
An algebraic expression where the highest exponent is 1. When graphed, it always results in a straight line.
quadratic equation
an algebraic expression where the highest exponent is 2
cubic equation
an algebraic expression where the highest exponent is 3
polynomial
a mathematical expression consisting of variables and coefficients
eg 2x + 4y + 7
term
A term is a single unit of an alegbraic expression. It can be a single number, a variable, or a number and a variable multiplied together.
eg: 4, n, 4x
degree (of an algebraic expression)
The degree of an algebraic expression is the highest power (exponent or index) of any term.
Where a term has more than one variable with an exponent, the sum of the exponents is the degree of that term.
