Algebra Terms

Complex Rational Expression

The result when a rational expression is divided by a nonzero rational expression.

Denominator

A fraction's bottom. The fraction will usually try to keep this part of him covered up, but his mother will usually produce some scandalous baby picture of him in the tub where his denominator is clearly visible.

Distributive Property

Multiplication of numbers that distributes over addition and subtraction: a(b ± c) = ab ± ac.

Equation

An expression that states the equivalence of two algebraic expressions.

Equivalent Equations

Different equations that have the same solution(s).

Factoring

Breaking up an algebraic expression into two or more expressions that can be multiplied together to get the original expression.

Greatest Common Factor (GCF)

The largest positive integer that evenly divides (with zero remainder) two or more nonzero numbers. It is also known as the greatest common divisor or highest common factor. For example, the GCF of 18 and 24 is 6.

Independent Variable

Variable in a function that assumes a value freely or independently.

Inequality

A relation between two algebraic expressions that aren't equal. It uses the symbols >, <, ≤, and ≥.

Irrational

Any real number that can't be expressed as a fraction \frac{p}{q}, q ≠ 0. Irrational numbers do not have a finite or repeating decimal representation. For example, \sqrt{2}, π, and e are irrational numbers.

Like Terms

Two terms with the same variables raised to the same exponent. Like terms may have different coefficients.

Monomial

A polynomial with one term.

Multivariable Polynomial

A polynomial with more than one variable.

Numerator

The top part of a fraction. "I'll be back... on top of the denominator." - Numerator II: Judgment Day

Polynomial

An algebraic expression constructed from variables and constants using addition subtraction, multiplication, and positive integer exponents.

Quadratic Polynomial

A polynomial of degree two.

Rational Expression

The expression that results when a polynomial is divided by a non-zero polynomial

Solution

The value of a variable that satisfies an equation or inequality.

Trinomial

A polynomial with three terms.

Variable

A value that changes. Variables are commonly represented by the letters x, y, or z.