Download Algebra Terms/Definitions and Examples

Algebra Terms/Definitions and Examples
ASSOCIATIVE PROPERTY: The answer in an addition or multiplication problem that remains the
same even when the addends or factors are grouped differently.
6 + (5 + 9) = 20
or
(6 + 5) + 9 = 20
COMMUTATIVE PROPERTY: When two numbers are added or multiplied, the answer is the same
regardless of the order of the numbers.
9 x 8 = 72
8 x 9 = 72
15 + 9 = 24
9 + 15 = 24
DISTRIBUTIVE PROPERTY: Multiplying each number by the factor and adding the products
together. Remember that parentheses next to a number indicate multiplication.
8(4 + 3)
8(4) + 8(3)
32 + 24 = 56
EQUATIONS: Mathematical statements with two expressions that are equal.
6 x 5 = 3 x 10
Both equations equal 30
FUNCTION CHARTS (Input/Output): The rules in which indicate whether to add, subtract, multiply,
or divide.
INPUT
5
32
24
OUTPUT
25
14
8
RULE
x 5 or + 20
- 18
÷3
INTEGERS: All of the positive and negative numbers on a number line, including zero.
INVERSE OPERATIONS: An operation that reverses or undoes another operation.
6 + 6 = 12
12 – 6 = 6
PATTERNS: Shapes or numbers that repeat or grow in a predictable way: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, __, __, __,
VARIABLES: Letters in equations that represent numbers.
5 + n = 10
c – 15 = 30
n=5
c = 45
ORDER OF OPERATIONS: The order in which to carry out operations in a mathematical expression.
Use the following saying to help you remember the order of operations – use the operations out of
order and you will get the wrong answer.
Brian, please excuse my dear Aunt Sally
1. Work on the equation inside the brackets.
2. Work on the equation inside the parentheses.
3. Solve any numbers with exponents (usually a 6th grade or middle
school skill and you won’t need to work with these in 5th grade).
4. Solve the multiplication and/or division equations, whichever
comes first when reading the problem from left to right.
5. Solve the addition and/or subtraction equations, whichever
comes first when reading the problem from left to right.
6(4 + 5) + {4 – 1} – 1 x 3
6(4 + 5) +
3 - 1x3
6(9)
+
3 - 1x3
54
+
3 - 1x3
54
+
3 - 3
57 - 3 = 54