Word / Phrase

Explanation

Example

Linear expression

Expression without any squares or cubes.

5x + 2

Polynomial

More than two terms

3x³ + 2x² - 5x + 7

Degree of polynomial

The little number behind the x.

7x³

Quadratic polynomial

An expression where the highest power of x is 2.

4x² - 3x + 2

Cubic polynomial

An expression where the highest power of x is 3.

7x³ - 4x² + 5x + 6

Coefficient

The big number at the start of the term

2x³

Term

The parts in an algebraic expression separated by a sign.

5x

Like term

Terms that contains same letters of combination of letters.

3ac + 2ac = 5ac

Unlike term

A term that contains a different letters or combination of letters.

2ab + 5ac

Subject of equation/formula

The letter that is alone in one of the sides of an equation.

a = 3b - 4c

Expression

Not equal to anything, has no equals.

3x + 6

Equations

Is equal to something, has an equal and usually one letter.

2x + 5 = 6x - 2

Identity

LHS is equal to the RHS.

3x - 9 = 3 (x - 3)

Multiplies

It's the product of an integer with another integer

2 x 5 = 10

Lowest common multiple

The smallest positive integer that is a multiple of two or more numbers.

6, 21 = 42

Factor

The numbers multiplied for find a product.

(x + 2)(x + 3) = x² + 5x + 6

Highest common factor

The largest positive integer that divides both numbers without remainders.

27,12 = 3

Difference

Difference between two numbers.

5 - 2 = 3

Sum

The result of add two or more numbers.

3 + 4 = 12

Product

The result of a multiplication.

5 x 4 = 12

Simplify

To reduce an expression to only the necessary parts.

2 + 6 = 1 + 2

4 9 2 3

Factorise

The decomposition of an object into a product of other object.

x² + 5x + 6 = (x + 2)(x + 3)

Evaluate

It is to calculate the value of something.

If I have to distribute 6 books to 3 boys, so each boy would have 2 books.

Discriminant

b² - 4ac

x = - 3 ±√9-4x2x7

4

Constant

A number that is significantly interesting in some way.

10 - 4x = 8

Variable

A symbolic representation used to denote a quantity or expression.

2x + 8 = 16

Simultaneous equation

Combination of two or more equations.

4x + 2y = 10

3x + 5y = 11