Algebra 1 STAAR Category 2

Front

What is a variable in algebra?

Back

A symbol, often a letter, that represents a number in mathematical expressions or equations.

Front

Define an equation.

Back

A mathematical statement that asserts the equality of two expressions, typically containing one or more variables.

Front

What is the purpose of solving an equation?

Back

To find the value(s) of the variable(s) that make the equation true.

Front

What does it mean to simplify an expression?

Back

To reduce an expression to its simplest form by combining like terms and eliminating unnecessary parentheses.

Front

What is a linear equation?

Back

An equation that forms a straight line when graphed, typically in the form y = mx + b.

Front

What does 'm' represent in the slope-intercept form of a linear equation?

Back

The slope of the line, indicating the steepness and direction of the line.

Front

What does 'b' represent in the slope-intercept form of a linear equation?

Back

The y-intercept, which is the point where the line crosses the y-axis.

Front

What are like terms?

Back

Terms in an expression that have the same variable raised to the same power.

Front

How do you solve a two-step equation?

Back

By performing inverse operations to isolate the variable, typically involving addition or subtraction followed by multiplication or division.

Front

What is the distributive property?

Back

A property that states a(b + c) = ab + ac, allowing you to multiply a single term by two or more terms inside a set of parentheses.