Pre-Algebra Vocabulary Flashcard 1

Front

Distributive Property

Back

A property indicating a special way in which each term inside a set of parentheses can be multiplied by a factor outside the parentheses.

Answer explanation

The Distributive Property states that a factor outside parentheses can be multiplied by each term inside, allowing for easier calculations. This makes the first answer choice correct.

Front

Evaluate (in mathematics)

Back

To solve or find the value of an expression.

Answer explanation

In mathematics, to "evaluate" means to solve or find the value of an expression. This involves calculating the result of the expression, making the first answer choice the correct one.

Front

What is an Expression in mathematics?

Back

A math phrase that has terms and operations but no equal sign.

Answer explanation

An expression in mathematics is defined as a math phrase that includes terms and operations but does not have an equal sign. This distinguishes it from equations, which do show equality.

Front

What is the Order of Operations?

Back

The order in which operations in an expression are evaluated using PEMDAS.

Answer explanation

The correct choice explains that the Order of Operations refers to the sequence of evaluating expressions using PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, Addition and Subtraction), which is essential for accurate calculations.

Front

Equation

Back

A mathematical statement that shows two expressions are equal.

Answer explanation

An equation is defined as a mathematical statement that asserts the equality of two expressions, making the first answer choice correct. The other options describe different mathematical concepts.

Front

Exponents

Back

The small number that is raised to show how many times to multiply the base number by itself.

Answer explanation

Exponents are represented by a small number that indicates how many times to multiply the base number by itself. This definition matches the correct answer choice, distinguishing it from other mathematical operations.

Front

What are Real Numbers?

Back

The set of all rational and irrational numbers.

Answer explanation

Real numbers include both rational numbers (fractions) and irrational numbers (non-repeating, non-terminating decimals). Thus, the correct choice is 'The set of all rational and irrational numbers.'

Front

Rational Numbers

Back

All numbers that can be expressed as a fraction.

Answer explanation

Rational numbers are defined as all numbers that can be expressed as a fraction, including integers and finite decimals. The other options incorrectly describe irrational numbers or limit the definition to specific types.

Front

What are Irrational Numbers?

Back

Numbers that cannot be expressed as a ratio of two integers. Their decimal expansions are nonending and nonrepeating.

Answer explanation

Irrational numbers are defined as numbers that cannot be expressed as a ratio of two integers. Their decimal expansions are nonending and nonrepeating, distinguishing them from rational numbers, which can be expressed as fractions.

Front

Direct Variation

Back

The relationship between two variable quantities that have a constant ratio.

Answer explanation

Direct variation describes a relationship where two variables change together at a constant ratio, meaning as one variable increases, the other does so proportionally. This is correctly defined in the first answer choice.