Absolute value
The absolute value of a real number, x, written |x|, is its distance from zero on the number line.
Additive inverse
Any number, a, is -a.
Algebraic expression
A mathematical phrase that contains one or more variables.
Coefficient
The numerical factor of a term.
Compound inequality
Joining two inequalities with the word and or the word or.
Constant
Quantities whose values do not change.
Constant term
A term with no variables.
Equation
A statement that two expressions are equal.
Evaluate
To evaluate an algebraic expression, substitute a number for each variable in the expression. Then simplify using the order of operations.
Extraneous solution
A solution derived from an original equation that is not a solution of the original equation.
Identity
An equation that is true for every value of the variable.
Inverse operations
Operations that undo each other.
Like terms
Terms that have the same variables raised to the same powers.
Literal equation
An equation that uses at least two different letters as variables.
Multiplicative inverse
Any nonzero number, a, is 1/a.
Numerical expression
A mathematical phrase that contains numbers and operation symbols.
Opposite
Any number, a, is -a.
Reciprocal
Any nonzero number, a, is 1/a.
Solution of an equation
All values of the variable that make the equation true.
Term
An expression that is a number, a variable, or the product of a number and one or more variables.
Variable
A symbol, usually a letter, that represents one or more numbers.
Variable quantity
Quantities who values change or vary.