A

abscissaThe first element in a coordinate pair. When graphed in the coordinate plane, it is the distance from the y-axis. Frequently called the x coordinate.

absolute valueThe distance of a number from zero; the positive value of a number.

acidTraditionally considered any chemical compound that, when dissolved in water, gives a solution with a hydrogen ion activity greater than in pure water (i.e. a pH less than 7.0).

acute angleA positive angle measuring less than 90 degrees.

acute triangleA triangle with all angles measuring less than 90 degrees.

addendA number which is involved in addition. Numbers being added are considered to be the addends.

additionCalculating a sum by adding two or more numbers.

additive inverseThe additive inverse of any number x is the number that gives zero when added to x. Example: the additive inverse of 5 is −5.

adjacent anglesTwo angles that share both a side and a vertex.

algebraA branch of mathematics in which variables are substituted for unknown values to solve a particular problem.

algorithmA step-by-step procedure for carrying out computation.

alternate anglesTwo angles that are in opposite locations when lines are cut by a transversal.

altitudeLength from the uppermost point of a triangle to the line opposite.

angle

The union of two rays with a common endpoint, called the vertex.

anionAn ion with more electrons than protons, giving it a net negative charge.

annulusThe portion of a plane bounded by two concentric circles in the plane.

antiderivativeAn antiderivative of a function f is a function F whose derivative is equal to f. Example: F′=f.

approximateEstimate.

arcA portion of the circumference of a circle.

areaThe number of square units covering a shape or figure.

arithmeticMethod of computing using addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division.

arithmetic sequenceA sequence with the difference between two consecutive terms constant. The difference is called the common difference.

arrayA set of numbers that will follow a specific pattern. An orderly arrangement often in rows, columns or a matrix.

associative propertyWhen performing an operation on three or more numbers, the result is unchanged by the way the numbers are grouped.

associative property of addition(a+b)+c=a+(b+c)

associative property of multiplication(a⋅b)⋅c=a⋅(b⋅c)

asymptoteOn a graph, a line which is approached by a curve but never reached.

atom

A basic unit of matter consisting of a dense, central nucleus surrounded by a cloud of negatively charged electrons.

atomic massThe mass of an atom, most often expressed in unified atomic mass units.

atomic numberThe number of protons found in the nucleus of an atom and therefore identical to the charge number of the nucleus.

attributeA characteristic to describe an object usually within a pattern. The attribute usually refers to the shape, size, or color.

averageA number that represents the characteristics of a data set, calculated by adding a group of numbers then dividing by the number of elements in that group.

axiomA basic assumption about a mathematical system from which theorems can be deduced. For example, the system could be the points and lines in the plane. Then an axiom would be that given any two distinct points in the plane, there is a unique line through them.

axisThe horizontal and vertical lines that form the quadrants of the coordinate plane. The horizontal axis is usually called the x-axis, the vertical axis is usually called the y-axis.

axis of symmetryA line that passes through a figure in such a way that the part of the figure on one side of the line is a mirror reflection of the part on the other side of the line.

B

base1. The bottom of a plane figure or three-dimensional figure. 2. The number that is raised to various powers to generate the principal counting units of a number system. 3. An aqueous substance that can accept hydrogen ions.

base 10the numbering system in common use, in which each place to the left or right of the decimal represents a power of 10.

bar graphA visual representation of horizontal and vertical bars or lines to represent data.

bell curveThe shape of the graph that indicates the normal distribution.

benchmarkPoint of reference used in estimation.

binomialA polynomial with two terms. Example: (2x+3)

binomial distributionIn probability, a binomial distribution gives the probabilities of k outcomes A (or n−k outcomes B) in n independent trials for a two-outcome experiment in which the possible outcomes are denoted A and B.

binomial theoremIn mathematics, a theorem that specifies the complete expansion of a binomial raised to any positive integer power.

bisectTo divide into two congruent parts.

box-and-whiskers plotA type of graph used in data management particularly useful in showing the spread of the distribution of the data.

broken-line graphA type of graph used in data management where the data points are joined by line segments.

C

calculateTo compute or simplify.

calculatorA machine used for computation.

calculusThe branch of mathematics involving derivatives and integrals. The study of motion in which changing values are studied.

capacityThe amount a container holds.

cardinal numberA whole number, used to answer the question "howmany?"

Cartesian coordinatesA system in which points on a plane are identified by an ordered pair of numbers,

representing the distances to two or three perpendicular axes.

cationAn ion with more protons than electrons.

CelsiusA temperature scale in which water freezes at 0o and boils at 100o.

censusInformation gathered from all people in a population.

centi-In the metric system, a prefix meaning hundredth.

central angleAn angle that has its vertex at the center of a circle.

center of rotationThe point around which an object is rotated.

Chain RuleA formula for the derivative of the composite of two functions: (fog)′=f′og⋅g′

chemical elementA pure chemical substance consisting of one type of atom distinguished by its atomic number, which is the number of protons in its nucleus.

chemical reactionA process that leads to the transformation of one set of chemical substances to another.

chordA line segment that connects two points on a curve.

circleThe set of points in a plane that are a fixed distance from a given point, called the center.

circle graphA pictorial way of displaying how an entire thing, represented by the circle′s interior, is distributed.

circumferenceThe distance around a circle.

closed curveA string of connected points in which the beginning of the string joins the end of the string.

coefficient

A constant that multiplies a variable.

collinearPoints are collinear if they lie on the same line.

combinationA selection in which order has no importance.

combineTo join, or bring together.

combined gas lawA gas law which combines Charles′s law, Boyle′s law, and Gay−Lussac′s law.

commissionEarnings based on the amount of total sales.

common denominatorA denominator shared by two or more fractions.

common factorA factor of two or more numbers.

common multipleA multiple of two or more numbers.

commutative propertyThe order of numbers in a calculation does not affect the result.

commutative property of additiona+b=b+a

commutative property of multiplicationa⋅b=b⋅acompassAn instrument used for drawing circles, describing circles, or measuring distances. Consists of two hinged, movable legs.

compatible numbersNumbers that are easy to manipulate mentally. Example: 25⋅4,8+2

compensationAdjusting an estimated answer up or down to more closely approximate the value.

complement

The difference between a right angle and the angle.

complementary anglesTwo angles whose sum is 90o.

complement setA set whose elements do not belong to a given set.

complex numbersNumbers that have the form a+bi where a and b are real numbers and i satisfies the equation i2=−1.

compositeA natural number that is not prime.

compound bar graphA bar graph that compares two or more quantities simultaneously.

compound eventThe outcome of a probability experiment that involves more than one object. Example: when you roll two dice and the result is a 5 on one and a 2 on the other, this is a compound event.

compound inequalityTwo or more inequalities that may have a common solution.

concave polygonA polygon with at least one interior angle with measure greater than 180o.

concentrationThe measure of how much of a given substance there is mixed with another substance.

concentricWith reference to circles, having the same center.

coneA three-dimensional figure with a circular base and one vertex.

congruentAngles or figures that have the same size and shape.

conic sectionThe section formed by the intersection of a plane and a cone.

conjectureAn educated guess.

consecutiveFollowing, in succession, without interruption.

consistent systemA system of equations that has at least one solution.

constantA fixed value that does not change.

convex polygonA polygon with each interior angle measuring less than 180o.

coordinateA number in an ordered pair that names the location of a point on the coordinate plane. The first number in the ordered pair is called the abscissa and the second number is the ordinate.

coordinate planeThe plane determined by a horizontal number line, called the x-axis, and a vertical number line, called the y-axis, intersecting at a point called the origin. Each point in the coordinate plane can be specified by an ordered pair of numbers.

coplanarPoints that lie within the same plane.

correlationA type of relationship between two variables. Two variables may be related as a positive correlation, a negative correlation, or illustrate no correlation.

corresponding anglesAngles that have the same relative positions.

cosecantIn a right triangle, the ratio of the length of the hypotenuse to the length of the opposite side; the reciprocal of the sine.

cosineIn a right triangle, the ratio of the length of the adjacent side to the length of the hypotenuse.

cotangentIn a right triangle, the ratio of the length of the adjacent side to the length of the opposite side; the reciprocal of the tangent.

counting numbersThe natural numbers, or the numbers used to count.

counting principleIf a first event has n outcomes and a second event has m outcomes, then the first event followed by the second event has n times m outcomes.

Cramer's RuleA theorem in linear algebra, which gives the solution of a system of linear equations in terms of determinants.

critical pointsA critical point of a function of a real variable is any value in the domain where either the function is not differentiable or its derivative is 0.

cross multiplyIn a proportion, to rewrite the equation so that the product of the means equals the product of the extremes.

cross productA product found by multiplying the numerator of one fraction by the denominator of another fraction and the denominator of the first fraction by the numerator of the second.

cubeA solid figure with six square faces.

cube rootA number that when cubed (taken to the power of 3) gives the original number.

cubicHaving the shape of a cube. When referring to volume, describing in terms of the volume of a cube with the indicated length edge.

curveThe graphic representation of an algebraic equation; a connected set of points.

cylinderA three-dimensional figure having two parallel bases that are congruent circles.

D

Dalton's lawStates that the total pressure exerted by a gaseous mixture is equal to the sum of the partial pressures of each individual component in a gas mixture.

dataGathered information.

decimal number

The numbers in the base 10 number system, having one or more places to the right of a decimal point.

decimal pointA symbol (looking exactly like a period) used to separate the whole number part (on the left) from the fractional part (on the right).

degreeA unit of measure for angles equal to 1/360 of a full circle.

denominatorThe bottom part of a fraction.

densityMass per unit volume of a substance.

dependent eventsTwo events in which the outcome of the second is influenced by the outcome of the first.

dependent systemThe equations of a system are dependent if all the solutions of one equation are also solutions of the other equation.

depreciationA decrease in value.

derivativeA measurement of how a function changes when the values of its inputs change.

determinantA function depending on n that associates a scalar det(A) to every nxn square matrix A.

diagonalA line segment connecting two nonadjacent vertices in a polygon.

diagramA figure, usually a line drawing, that illustrates a geometrical theorem.

diameterA line segment joining two points on a circle and passing through the center of the circle.

differenceThe result of subtracting two numbers.

digit

The ten symbols 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8, and 9. The number 215 has three digits: 2,1, and 5.

dilatationThe enlargement or reduction of a plane figure.

dimensionA facet, aspect, or side of an object.

directrixA fixed line associated with a parabola.

discriminantIn algebra, the discriminant of a polynomial with real or complex coefficients is a certain expression in the coefficients of the polynomial which is equal to zero if and only if the polynomial has a multiple root (i.e. a root with multiplicity greater than one) in the complex numbers.

distanceLength, as between two points.

distributive propertya(b+c)=ab+ac

divideTo perform the operation of division.

dividendIn  a b=c,a is the dividend.

divisibleCapable of being evenly divided by a number, without a remainder.

divisionThe process of dividing two numbers.

divisorIn a/ b =c,b is the divisor.

domainThe set of all first coordinates in a function.

doubleTo multiply by 2; determine twice as much.

E

eRepresentation of the number (2.7182818...) used as the base for natural logarithms. 

edgeThe line segment where two faces of a polyhedron meet. 

electronA subatomic particle that carries a negative electric charge. 

elementA member of a set. See also chemical element. 

eliminateTo remove, to get rid of. 

ellipseThe set of all points in a plane such that the sum of the distances to two fixed points is a constant. 

empirical formulaA simple expression of the relative numbers of each type of atom in it, or the simplest whole number ratio of atoms of each element present in a compound. 

empty setA set that contains no elements. 

endpointOn a ray, segment, arc, or vector, a point at which the curve begins or ends; a point which touches only one other point on the curve. 

equalsTo be the same in value (symbol: =).

equationA mathematical statement that says two expressions have the same value; any number sentence with an =.

equidistantThe same distance. 

equilateralA figure containing all equal sides. 

equilateral triangle

A triangle that has three equal sides. 

equivalentTwo or more expressions that have the same value. 

equivalent equationsTwo equations with the same solutions. 

equivalent fractionsFractions that reduce to the same number. 

error of measurementThe difference between an approximate measurement and the actual measure taken. 

estimateAn approximate calculation of a value. 

Euler's formulaA formula relating the number of vertices V, faces F and edges E of a polyhedron. Formula: V+F−E=2

evaluateTo substitute number values into an expression. 

even numberA natural number that is evenly divisible by 2.

eventIn probability, a set of outcomes. 

expanded notationMethod of writing numbers as the sum of powers of ten or as the sum of its units, tens, hundreds, etc. 

exponentA number that indicates the operation of repeated multiplication. 

exponential functionA function in which the base e, the base of the natural logs, is raised to some power. 

expressionA mathematical symbol, or combination of symbols, representing a value, or relation. Example: 2+2=4

exterior angle of a polygonThe angle outside a polygon formed by extending one of its sides. 

faceA flat surface of a three-dimensional figure. 

factorOne of two or more expressions that are multiplied together to get a product. 

factor treeA diagram representing a systematic way of determining all the prime factors of a number. 

factoringTo break a number into its factors. 

Fahrenheit

Temperature scale in which water boils at 212o and freezes at 32o.

Fibonacci SequenceA sequence whereby each number is the sum of the two numbers preceding it. 

figureTwo dimensional shapes are often referred to as figures. 

finiteNot infinite. Finite has an end. 

flipA reflection of a two dimensional shape, a mirror image of a shape. 

focusImaginary point used in parabolas, hyperbolas, and ellipses. 

FOIL

A technique for distributing two binomials. The letters FOIL stand

for F irst, O uter, I nner, L ast. First means multiply the terms which occur first in each binomial, Outer means multiply the outermost terms in the product, Inner means multiply the innermost terms, and Last means multiply the terms which occur last in each binomial. 

formulaAn equation that states a rule or a fact. 

fractionA number used to name a part of a group or a whole. The number below the division line is the denominator, and the number above the division line is the numerator. 

frequencyThe number of times a particular item occurs in a data set. 

frequency tableA data listing which also lists the frequencies of the data. 

functionA set of ordered pairs where each first element is paired with one and only one second element and no element in either pair is without a partner. 

Fundamental Theorem of Algebra

Every polynomial equation having complex coefficients and degree ≥1 has at least one complex root. 

f(x)The symbol for a function; the way one reads the symbol for a function with

independent variable x.

G

gasA state of matter, consisting of a collection of particles (molecules, atoms, ions, electrons, etc.) without a definite shape or volume that are in more or less random motion. 

GCFG reatest C ommon F actor; the largest number that divides two or more numbers evenly. 

geometric sequenceA sequence with the ratio between two consecutive terms constant. This ratio is called the common ratio. 

geometryThe study of lines, angles, shapes and their properties. Geometry is concerned with physical shapes and the dimensions of the objects. 

golden rectangleA rectangle where the ratio of its length to its width is (1+ 5√ )2:1 (about 1.618:1).

gradianA unit of measure for angles equal to 1/400 of a full circle. 

gramA unit of mass (symbol: g).

graphA visual representation of data. 

greatest common factorThe largest number that divides two or more numbers evenly. 

greatest integer functionThe function which produces the greatest integer less than or equal to the number operated upon. 

grouping symbolsParentheses, brackets, braces, or fraction bars used to group together terms of an expression. 

H

halfEither of the two quantities or pieces created when something is divided into two equal pieces. 

heightThe dimension used to describe the length from lowest point to highest point; how tall something is. 

hexagonA polygon that has six angles and six sides. 

histogramA type of statistical graph that uses bars, where each bar represents a range of values and the data is continuous.

horizontalA line with zero slope. 

hyperbolaA curved line where the difference of the distances from imaginary points (foci) to each point on the curve is constant.

hypotenuseThe side opposite the right angle in a right triangle. 

I

identityA number that when operating with it on any other number leaves the number unchanged.

identity matrixA square matrix with 1′s along the diagonal from upper left to lower right and 0′s in all other positions.

identity property of additionThe sum of any number and 0 is that number. 

identity property of multiplicationThe product of 1 and any number is that number. 

imageThe result of a transformation on an object. 

imaginary numberAn even root of a negative number; the square root of −1 is symbolized by i.

implicit differentiationAn application of the chain rule allowing one to calculate the derivative of a function given implicitly.

improper fractionA fraction with a numerator that is greater than the denominator. 

inclusiveIncluding the ends. Example: List the odd numbers from 3 to 9, inclusive: 3,5,7,9

inconsistent systemA system of equations is inconsistent if it does not have a solution. 

increaseAn addition. 

independent eventsTwo events in which the outcome of the second is not affected by the outcome of the first.

independent systemThe equations of a system are independent if they share only one solution − the point of intersection.

indeterminate formIn calculus and other branches of mathematical analysis, an indeterminate form is an algebraic expression whose limit cannot be evaluated by substituting the limits of the subexpressions. 

indexThe superscript at the beginning of a radical sign indicating the root to be taken, or extracted.

inequalityA mathematical expression which shows that two quantities are not equal. 

infinityA limitless quantity. 

inflection pointA point on a curve at which the concavity changes sign from plus to minus or from minus to plus. The curve changes from being concave upwards to concave downwards, or vice versa. 

inscribed angleAn angle placed inside a circle with its vertex on the circle and whose sides contain chords of the circle.

inscribed polygonA polygon placed inside a circle so that each vertex of the polygon touches the circle. 

integerA whole number in the set of numbers containing zero, the natural numbers, and all of the negatives of the natural numbers.

integralGiven a function f(x) of a real variable x and an interval [a,b] of the real line, the integralgraph of f, the x-axis, and the vertical lines x=a and x=b, with areas below the x-axis being subtracted.

interceptThe x-intercept of a line or curve is the point where it crosses the x-axis, and the y-intercept of a line or curve is the point where it crosses the y-axis.

intercepted arcThe arc of a circle within an inscribed angle. 

interestAmount paid or received for the loaning of money or the borrowing of money. 

interior angles of a polygonAngles within a polygon formed by the intersection of two sides. 

interpolationA method for estimating values that lie between two known values. 

intersectWith lines or curves, to cross or have a point in common. 

intersecting linesLines that have only one point in common. 

intersectionWith sets, the operation that creates a new set containing only those elements common to the original sets.

intervalA set of values between two endpoints. 

inverseOpposite. −5 is the additive inverse of 5, because their sum is zero. 13 is the multiplicative inverse of

inverse operationsTwo operations that have the opposite effect, such as addition and subtraction. 

ionAn atom or molecule where the total number of electrons is not equal to the total number of protons, giving it a net positive or negative electrical charge.

irrational numberA number that cannot be expressed as the ratio of two integers. 

isoscelesA polygon with two sides equal in length. 

isosceles triangleA triangle with at least two equal sides. 

K

kilometerA unit of measure that equals 1000 meters. 

knotA curve formed by an interlacing piece of spring by joining the ends. 

L

LCDL east C ommon D enominator; the smallest multiple of the denominators of two or more fractions.

LCML east C ommon M ultiple; the smallest non-zero number that is a multiple of two or more numbers.

least common denominatorThe smallest multiple of the denominators of two or more fractions. 

least common multipleThe smallest non-zero number that is a multiple of two or more numbers. 

lengthMeasure of distance; a dimension of a solid or rectangle. 

l'Hospital's RuleRule that uses derivatives to help compute limits with indeterminate forms. 

like fractionsFractions that have the same denominator. 

like termsTerms that have the same variables raised to the same exponent. Example: 3x2 and −2

limitA number that a function approaches as the independent variable of the function approaches a given value.

lineA straight set of points that extends into infinity in both directions. 

linear equationAn equation whose graph is a line, that is, an equation that has a degree of one. Example:

line of symmetryLine that divides a geometric figure into two congruent portions. 

line segmentTwo points on a line, and all the points between those two points. 

locusA path of points. 

logAbbreviation of logarithm. 

logarithmThe exponent of the power to which a base number must be raised to equal a given number. Example:base 10−2=log10100(10 must be raised to the power of 2 in order to equal 100)

logarithmic functionRule that returns for each argument the exponent to which the base must be raised in order to get the argument; the inverse of the exponential function.

logicThe study of sound reasoning. 

lowest termsSimplest form; when the GCF of the numerator and the denominator of a fraction is 1.

M

major arcThe larger of two arcs created when a circle is intersected at two points. 

mantissaNonintegral, decimal part of a logarithm. 

massThe amount of matter in a particle or object. 

matrixA rectangular array of numbers, algebraic symbols, or mathematical functions. 

matrix adjointA square matrix obtained from a given square matrix and having the property that its product with the given matrix is equal to the determinant of the given matrix times the identity matrix. 

matterTraditionally refers to the substance that objects are made of. 

maximum (max)Largest. 

mean

In a data set, the sum of all the data points, divided by the number of data points; average.

measureDimension, capacity. 

medianThe middle number in a data set when the data are put in order. 

midpointA point on a line segment that divides the segment into two congruent segments. 

minimum (min)Smallest. 

minor arcThe smaller of two arcs made by the two point intersection of a circle. 

minuendIn subtraction, the number which is decreased. 

minusSubtract; decrease by; lessen by. 

minuteA unit of measure for angles equal to 1/60 of a degree. 

mixed numberA number written as a whole number and a fraction. 

mixtureWhen two or more different substances are mixed together but not combined chemically.

modeThe number (or numbers) that occurs most frequently in a set of data. 

molar massThe mass of one mole of a substance (chemical element or chemical compound). 

moleThe amount of substance of a system that contains as many "elementalentities"(e.in 12g of carbon−12. A mole has 6.0221415⋅1023 atoms or molecules of the pure substance being measured.

moleculeA sufficiently stable, electrically neutral group of at least two atoms in a definite arrangement held together by very strong (covalent) chemical bonds.

monatomic ionAn ion consisting of one or more atoms of a single element. 

monomial

A number, a variable or a product of numbers and variables. 

multipleA multiple of a number is the product of that number and any other whole number. Zero is a multiple of every number.

multiplicationThe process of repeating additions of the same number. 

multiplicative inverseThe reciprocal of a number. 

multiplyTo compute a product; to perform a multiplication. 

mutually exclusive eventsTwo or more events that cannot occur at the same time. 

N

natural logarithmA logarithm that has e as a base. 

natural numbersThe counting numbers. 

negative numberA real number that is less than zero. 

netA plane figure obtained by opening and flattening a 3−D object. 

neutronA subatomic particle with no net electric charge and a mass slightly larger than that of a proton.

normThe mean or the average − an established pattern or form. 

normalPerpendicular. 

nth rootThe nth root of a number is the number needed to multiply by itself n times in order to get that number. Example: the

nucleusThe collection of protons and neutrons in the center of an atom, also composed of subatomic matter.

number lineA line on which every point represents a real number, usually increasing in value from left to right.

numeralA written symbol referring to a number. 

numeratorThe top part of a fraction. 

numericReferring to a number or numbers. 

O

oblique angleAn angle that is neither a right, acute or obtuse angle. 

obtuse angleAn angle whose measure is greater than 90o.

obtuse triangleA triangle with an obtuse angle. 

octagonA polygon with 8 sides. 

odd numberA whole number that is not evenly divisible by 2.

oddsThe ratio of the probability that an event will occur compared with the probability of it not occurring.

operationAddition, subtraction, multiplication, and division are the basic arithmetic operations. 

operatorThe symbol that expresses the operation to be performed. 

oppositesTwo numbers that are located the same distance from 0 on the number line but in opposite directions. The sum of opposite numbers is

ordered pairSet of two numbers in which the order has an agreed-upon meaning, such as the Cartesian coordinatesposition, and the second coordinate represents the vertical position. 

order of operationsA set of rules for the order in which to solve mathematical problems. Start by multiplying and dividing, then adding and subtracting, always working within parentheses first. 

ordinal numberA number used to indicate place or position within a set or group. 

ordinateThe second element in a coordinate pair. When graphed in the coordinate plane, it is the distance from the x-axis. Frequently called the y coordinate.

originThe point (0,0) on a coordinate plane, where the x-axis and the y-axis intersect. 

outcomeIn probability, a possible result of an experiment. 

oxidation stateAn indicator of the degree of oxidation of an atom in a chemical compound. 

P

parabolaSet of points equally distant from a focus and a directrix. 

parallelTwo lines are parallel if they are in the same plane and never intersect. 

parallelogramA quadrilateral with opposite sides parallel. 

parenthesesMarks of inclusion (symbols: ( and )). Parentheses is the plural form of parenthesis. 

parenthesisMarks of inclusion (symbols: ( and )).

pentagonA five-sided polygon. 

percentA fraction or ratio in which the denominator is assumed to be 100. The symbol % is used for percent.

perfect squareA whole number that is the square of an integer. Example: 16 is a perfect square because

perimeterThe sum of the lengths of the sides of a polygon. 

periodic tableA tabular display of the chemical elements. 

permutationA way to arrange things in which order is important. 

perpendicularTwo lines are perpendicular if the angle between them is 90o.

pHA measure of the acidity or basicity of a solution. 

PiThe ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter (symbol: π), equaling 3.1415926

planeA flat surface that stretches into infinity. 

plane of symmetryA plane that divides a 3−D object into two parts, each a mirror image of the other. 

plotTo draw or graph a point on a number line or on a coordinate plane. 

plusSymbol indicating addition (symbol: +).

pOHSometimes used as a measure of the concentration of hydroxide ions, OH−, or alkalinity.

pointA location in a plane or in space, having no dimensions. 

point-slope equation of a lineAn equation of the form y−y1=m(x−x1), where m is the slope and (x1,y1) is a point on the line.

polarExpressed in terms of distance (from a point called the pole) and angle (with a ray as the initial side of the angle).

polyatomic ionA charged species (ion) composed of two or more atoms covalently bonded or of a metal complex that can be considered as acting as a single unit in the context of acid and base chemistry or in the formation of salts. 

polygonA closed plane figure made up of several line segments that are joined together. 

polyhedronA three-dimensional solid that is bounded by plane polygons. 

polynomialAn algebraic expression consisting of one or more summed terms, each term consisting of a constant multiplier and one or more variables raised to integral powers.

polynomial equationAn equation of the form P(x)=0, where P(x) is a polynomial. 

populationIn statistics, population refers to the entire group about which data are being collected.

positive numberA real number greater than zero. 

powerA number that indicates the operation of repeated multiplication. 

primeA natural number which has exactly two distinct natural number divisors: 1 and itself. 

prime factorizationCalculation of all prime factors in a number. 

principalIn business, the amount lent or borrowed. 

prismA geometric solid with two bases that are congruent, parallel polygons and all other faces are parallelograms.

probabilityFor an experiment, the total number of successful events divided by the total number of possible events.

productThe result of two numbers being multiplied together. 

Product RuleIn calculus, the product rule (also called Leibniz′s law) governs the differentiation of products of differentiable functions. It may be stated as:

proper fractionA fraction whose numerator is less than its denominator. 

proportionAn equation of fractions in the form: ab=cd

proportionalA statement of equality in which each member is a fraction. 

protonA subatomic particle with an electric charge of +1 elementary charge. 

protractorA device for measuring angles. 

pyramidA three-dimensional figure that has a polygon for a base and all of the faces are triangles having a common vertex.

Pythagorean TheoremThe theorem that relates the three sides of a right triangle: a2+b2=c2

Q

quadrantOne of the quarters of the plane of the Cartesian coordinate system. 

quadratic equationA polynomial equation of the second degree. The general form is ax2+bx+x=0, where

quadratic formulax=−b ±  b2−4ac−−−−−−−√ 2a

quadrilateralA polygon with four sides. 

quadrupleTo multiply or to be multiplied by 4.

qualitativeA general description of properties that cannot be written in numbers. 

quantityAn amount; a number or expression having value. 

quarticA polynomial having a degree of 4.

quartileAny one of the values in a frequency distribution that divides the distribution into four parts of equal frequency.

quinticA polynomial having a degree of 5.

quotientThe answer to a division problem. 

Quotient RuleIn calculus, the quotient rule is a method of finding the derivative of a function that is the quotient of two other functions for which derivatives exist.

R

radianIn angle measure, 2π of a revolution. 

radicalA root sign (symbol: √).

radicandThe number under the inclusion bar of the radical sign. 

radiusThe distance from the center to a point on a circle; the line segment from the center to a point on a circle.

randomA number chosen without definite aim, reason, or pattern. 

rangeIn statistics, the difference between the largest and the smallest numbers in a data set.

rateA ratio that compares different kinds of units. 

ratioA pair of numbers that compares different types of units. 

rational expressionThe quotient of two polynomials. 

rational numberA number that can be expressed as the ratio of two integers. 

rayPart of a line, containing one endpoint and extending to infinity in one direction. 

reactionSee chemical reaction. 

real numbersThe combined set of rational numbers and irrational numbers. 

reciprocalThe number which, when multiplied times a particular fraction, gives a result of 1.

rectangleA quadrilateral with four 90o angles. 

reference angleIn trigonometry, an acute angle which may be used as a reference or to compute the trigonometric functions of non-acute angles.

reflectionA transformation resulting from a flip. 

reflex angleAn angle whose measure is between 180o and 360o.

regular polygonA polygon in which all the angles are equal and all of the sides are equal. 

remainderThe portion of the dividend that is not evenly divisible by the divisor. 

repeating decimalA decimal in which the digits endlessly repeat a pattern. 

rhombusA parallelogram with four equal sides. 

right angleAn angle whose measure is 90o.

right triangleA triangle that contains a right angle. 

riseThe vertical change between two points used to determine the slope of a line. 

rootThe root of an equation is the same as the solution to the equation. 

rotationA transformation in which a figure is rotated through a given angle, about a point. 

runThe horizontal change between two points used to determine the slope of a line. 

S

sampleRefers to a representative portion of the population from which information is gathered.

sample spaceFor an experiment, the sample space includes all the possible outcomes. 

scale drawingA drawing that is a reduction or enlargement of the original. 

scale factorThe ratio of a distance measured on a scale drawing to the corresponding distance measured on the actual object.

scalene triangleA triangle with three unequal sides. 

scattergramA graph with points plotted on a coordinate plane. 

scientific notationA method for writing extremely large or small numbers compactly in which the number is shown as the product of two factors.

secantRatio of the hypotenuse to the adjacent side of a right-angled triangle. 

secant of circleA line that intersects a circle in two points. 

secondA unit of measure for angles equal to 1/60 of a minute. 

second derivativeMeasures how the rate of change of a quantity is itself changing. For example, the slope represents the rate of change, and the rate of change of the slope is the second derivative. 

secondary dataData obtained indirectly from sources such as a book or computer database. 

sectorAn area between an arc and two radiuses of a circle. Sometimes referred to as a wedge.

segmentA piece of a line with two endpoints. 

sequenceA set of numbers, called terms, arranged in some particular order. 

setA well-defined group of objects. 

similarTwo polygons are similar if their corresponding sides are proportional. 

simplest form (lowest terms)A fraction is in simplest form if both its numerator and denominator are whole numbers and their only common factor is

simplified fractionA fraction in simplest form. 

sineIn a right triangle, the ratio of the length of the side opposite the angle to the length of the hypotenuse.

simplifyingReducing to lowest terms. 

skew linesLines that are not in the same plane and that do not intersect. 

slopeThe steepness of a line expressed as a ratio, using any two points on the line. 

slope-interceptAn equation of the form y=mx+b, where m is the slope and b is the y-intercept. 

soluteA homogeneous mixture composed of two or more substances. 

solution1. The value of a variable that makes an equation true. 2. In chemistry, a solution is a homogeneous mixture composed of only one phase.

specific heatThe measure of the heat energy required to increase the temperature of a unit quantity of a substance by a certain temperature interval.

sphereA three-dimensional figure with all points in space a fixed distance from a given point, called the center.

spreadsheetA computer generated arrangement of data in rows and columns. 

squareA quadrilateral with four equal sides and four 90o angles. 

square rootThe square root of x is the number that, when multiplied by itself, gives the number x.

standard deviationA statistic that measures the dispersion of a sample. 

standard notationDecimal notation. 

statisticsThe science of collecting, organizing, and analyzing data. 

stem-and-leaf plot

In statistics, a way of recording, organizing and displaying numerical data so that the original data remains intact.

stoichiometryThe calculation of quantitative (measurable) relationships of the reactants and products in a balanced chemical reaction (chemicals).

straight angleAn angle that measures 180o.

subsetA set that forms one part of a larger set. 

subtractionThe process of finding the difference between two numbers. 

sumThe result of adding numbers. 

supersetA set that consists of a collection of smaller subsets. 

supplementary anglesTwo angles are supplementary if their sum is 180o.

surface areaFor a three-dimensional figure, the sum of the areas of all the faces. 

symmetryA correspondence of parts. 

system of equationsA collection of two or more equations with a same set of unknowns. 

T

tangentIn a right triangle, the ratio of the length of the side opposite an angle to the length of the side adjacent to the angle.

termAny expression written as a product or quotient. Example: 2xy,4m2, or −3x2y3z

terminating decimalA fraction whose decimal representation contains a finite number of digits. 

tessellateThe repeated use of geometric figures to completely cover a plane without overlapping. 

theoretical probability

Probability that is determined on the basis of reasoning, not through experimentation. 

transformationA change in the position, shape, or size of a geometric figure. 

translationA transformation, or change in position, resulting from a slide with no turn. 

transversalA line that intersects two other lines. 

trapezoidA quadrilateral that has exactly two sides parallel. 

tree diagramA diagram that shows outcomes of an experiment. 

trendThe general drift or tendency in a set of data. 

triangleA three-sided polygon. 

trigonometryStudy of triangles, the measurements of their parts and of angle functions and relations. 

trinomialA polynomial consisting of three terms. 

U

uniformAll the same. Having the same size, texture, color, design, etc. 

unionA set containing each of the elements of the two sets which were united. 

unitA standard quantity used in measurement. Example: an inch is a unit of length, a centimeter is a unit of length, and a pound is a unit of weight.

unit circleA circle with a diameter of one. 

unit pricePrice per unit of measure. 

unlike terms

Terms with different variables or the same variables raised to different exponents. Example:

V

variableA letter used to represent a number value in an expression or an equation. 

vectorQuantity that has magnitude (length) and direction. It may be represented as a directed line segment.

Venn DiagramA Venn diagram is often two circles (can be other shapes) that overlap. The overlapping part usually contains information that is pertinent to the labels on both sides of the Venn diagram. 

vertexThe point on an angle where the two sides intersect. 

verticalPerpendicular to horizontal; up and down as opposed to left and right. 

vertical anglesA pair of opposite angles that is formed by intersecting lines. 

vertical line testA way of testing a graphed relation to determine if it is a function. 

vertically opposite anglesTwo angles formed by the intersection of two lines. They share a common vertex but no sides or interior points.

voltageCommonly used as a short name for electrical potential difference. Its corresponding SI unit is the volt (symbol:

volumeA measurement of space, or capacity. 

W

weightA measure of how heavy something is. 

whole numberThe set of numbers that includes zero and all of the natural numbers; also called integer.

widthMeasure of a (usually horizontal) distance. 

X

x-axisThe horizontal axis in a Cartesian coordinate plane. 

x-coordinateThe abscissa. 

x-interceptThe value of x at the point where a line or curve crosses the x-axis. 

Y

y-axisThe vertical axis in a Cartesian coordinate system. 

y-coordinateThe ordinate. 

y-interceptThe value of y at the point where a curve crosses the y-axis. 

Z

zeroThe additive identity; the number that, when added to another number n, gives n.

zero property of multiplicationThe product of zero and any number is zero. 

z-scoreA standard, normally distributed with a mean of 0 and a standard deviation of 1.