Squares and Square Roots
Algebra Terms
Get down with the lingo
Conjugate
The result of multiplying a binomial (a + b) by (a – b) to obtain a2 – b2.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.Quadratic Equation
An equation obtained by setting a quadratic polynomial to zero.Quadratic Polynomial
A polynomial of degree two.Radical Equation
An equation with a variable or expression inside a radical.Radical Sign
The symbol of a square root.Radicand
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.