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Squares and Square Roots

Algebra Terms

Get down with the lingo

Conjugate

The result of multiplying a binomial (a + b) by (ab) to obtain a2b2.

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.

Equations

An expression that states the equivalence of two algebraic expressions.

Equivalent Equations

Different equations that have the same solution(s).

Extraneous Solution

The solution to an equation that is formed in the process of simplifying the original equation (for example, taking the square of a radical equation), but is not a valid solution of the original equation.

Factoring

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

Independent Variable

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

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.

Polynomial

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

An equation obtained by setting a quadratic polynomial to zero.

A polynomial of degree two.

An equation with a variable or expression inside a radical.

The symbol of a square root.

The expression or number inside a radical.

Rationalizing The Denominator

Rewriting the fraction to get rid of the radical in the denominator.

Square

A number raised to the power of two.

Square Root

The inverse operation of squaring a number.

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.