Algebra Definitions: Part 5

This is the fifth part of our algebra definitions list from Math Made Easy....


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We now continue with our list. Let's see how many you know!!!

greatest common factor (GCF) of integers:The greatest integer that is a factor of two or more given integers.

greatest common factor (GCF) of two or more monomials:  The common factor with the greatest coefficient and the greatest degree in each variable.

greatest monomial factor of a polynomial:  The GCF of the terms of the polynomial.

greatest value of a function:  The y-coordinate of the highest point of the graph of the function.

grouping symbol:  A device used to enclose an expression that should be simplified before other operations are performed. Examples: parentheses, brackets, fraction bar.

half-plane:  See enclosed half-plane and open half-plane.

histogram:  A graph that describes a frequency distribution.

horizontal axis:  The horizontal number line in a coordinate plane. Also called the x-axis.

hyperbola: The graph of xy=k for any nonzero value of k.

hypotenuse:  In a right triangle, the side opposite the right angle.

identity: An equation that is true for every value of the variable(s).

imaginary numbers:  Numbers that involve the imaginary unit 1, defined as the square root of�1.

inequality:  A statement formed by placing an inequality symbol between numerical or variable expressions.

inequality symbols:  Symbols used to show the order of two real numbers. The symbol �is not equal�.

infinite decimal:  See non-terminating decimal.

integers:  The set consisting of the positive integers, the negative integers, and zero.

intersection of sets:  For any two sets A and B, the set consisting of  those members and only those members common to A and B.

inverse operations: Operations that  �undo� each other � for example, multiplication and division.

inverse variation:  A function defined by an equation of the form xy = k, where k is a nonzero constant.

inverse variation as the square:  A function defined by an equation of the form x2y = k, where k is a nonzero constant.

irrational numbers: Real numbers that cannot be expressed in the form a/b, where a and b are integers.

irreducible polynomial:  A polynomial that cannot be expressed as a product of polynomials of lower degree.

isosceles triangle: A triangle having two sides of equal length. The third side is called the base. The angles opposite the equal sides are the base angles.

joint variation:  If  a variable varies directly as the product of two or more other variables, the resulting relationship is a joint variation (expressed by z = kxy, k a nonzero constant).

least common denominator (LCD):  The least positive common multiple of the denominators of two or more given fractions.

least value of a function: The y-coordinate of the lowest point of the graph of the function.


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