addition property of equality | For all real numbers a, b, and c, if a = b, then a + c = b + c. If two expressions are equal to each other and you add the same value to both sides of the equation, the equation will remain equal. |
coefficient | A number that multiplies a variable. |
compound inequality | A statement including two inequality statements joined either by the word “or” or “and.” For example, 2x − 3 < 5 and x + 14 > 11. |
constant | A symbol that represents a quantity that cannot change. It can be a number, letter or a symbol. |
equation | A mathematical statement that two expressions are equal. |
expression | A mathematical phrase that can contain a combination of numbers, variables, or operations. |
formula | An equation or an expression that states a rule for a relationship among quantities. For example, the formula for finding the area of a rectangle can be represented as A = l • w, or simply l • w. |
inequality | A mathematical statement that shows the relationship between two expressions where one expression can be greater than or less than the other expression. An inequality is written by using an inequality sign (>, <, ≤, ≥, ≠). |
isolate a variable | A method for solving an equation that involves rewriting an equivalent equation in which the variable is on one side of the equation and everything else is on the other side of the equation. |
like terms | Terms that contain the same variables raised to the same powers. For example, 3x and −8x are like terms, as are 8xy2 and 0.5xy2. |
multi-step equation | An equation that requires more than one step to solve. |
multiplication property of equality | For all real numbers a, b, and c, c ≠ 0: If a = b, then ac = bc. If two expressions are equal to each other and you multiply both sides of the equation by the same non-zero number, the equation will remain equal. |
one-step equation | An equation that requires only one step to solve. |
term | A number or product of a number and variables raised to powers. 4x, −5y2, 6, and x3y4 are all examples of terms. |
variable | A letter or symbol used to represent a quantity that can change. |