Definitions Flashcards
Command word:
Expand
Multiple out the bracket(s)
Multiply each term inside the bracket by the expression on the outside
Process:
Rationalise the denominator
Turn the denominator of a fraction into an rational number
To achieve this you need to multiply the denominator by the conjugate
(i.e. not a surd, a integer)
Definition:
Surd
Square root of a non square number
(i.e. wont give an integer answer)
Definition:
conjugate
where we change the sign in the middle of two terms like this
Process:
Difference of two squares
The difference of two squares is a method of factorising used when an algebraic expression includes two squared terms**, one **subtracted from the other
(note: a and b can be anything)
Command word:
Factorise
Simplify by finding common factor and putting into bracket(s)
Definition:
Common factor
A number you can divide both numbers by
Definition:
Subject
The variable that is being worked out (is by itself in the equation)
Definition:
Formula
A formula is a fact, rule, or principle that is expressed in terms of mathematical symbols.
(Examples include formulas for area and volume)
Definitions:
Powers
Another name for indices, refers to the number of times you are multiplying something by itself
Definition:
Substitute
To replace one value with another. Often a variable is switched with a number
Definition:
Linear equation
An equation where the highest power of a variable (x) is one
(equations have equal signs in them)
Definition:
Linear expression
An expression where the highest power of a variable (x) is one
(expressions have no equal signs)
Command Word:
Simplify
Reduce the information into the smallest/easiest form
(examaples: fractions, algebra, ratios, …)
Definition:
Variables
Can be any value, often use letters to show numbers that can be any value/we don’t know value of
Definition:
Quadratic expression
An expression where the highest power of the variable is 2
(can also have quadratic equations)
Definition:
Irrational Numbers
Irrational numbers can not be written as a fraction, and are therefore often infinite non recurring decimals
Definition:
Function notation
Displays the function as an expression that gives you the direction to find the output
Definition:
Composite function
Combining two or more functions together. The output from one functions is placed as an input to another function
Definition:
Inverse function
Inverse function are the ‘opposite’ of the original function. You work them out by undoing the function
