Get down with the lingo
Binomial
A polynomial with two terms. These guys always use the buddy system.
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 no remainder) two or more nonzero numbers. It loves nicknames, so it's also known as the greatest common divisor or highest common factor. For example, the GCF of 18 and 24 is 6.
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. Single and ready to mingle.
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 expression containing constants and variables in which the exponents on all variables must be positive whole numbers and all the coefficients must be real. They're like Algebra's premier pop group—they're pretty popular, is what we're saying.
Quadratic Polynomial
A polynomial of degree two.
Rational Expression
An expression with a polynomial in the numerator and another polynomial in the denominator. For the expression to be defined, the polynomial in the denominator must be non-zero. You know how grumpy mathematicians get about dividing by zero.
Trinomial
A polynomial with three terms. Third time's a charm.
Variable
A value that changes. Variables are commonly represented by the letters x, y, or z.