ALGEBRA 1 (FOUNDATIONS FOR ALGEBRA)
MUST KNOW KEY TERMS (2025-2026)
absolute value
The distance between a real number and zero on a number line.
additive inverse
The opposite of a number. When added together, the sum is zero.
algebraic expression
A collection of numbers and variables with at least one arithmetic operation.
associative property
The grouping of terms within expressions involving addition or multiplication does
not change the value. Ex: (a+b) + c = a + (b+c)
,axis of symmetry
The line that divides a graph into two symmetrical parts.
base
The repeated factor of a number written in exponential form.
binomial
A two-term polynomial.
coefficient
The numerical value of a term.
combine like terms
Adding or subtracting terms that have the same variable(s) and exponent(s).
commutative property
,Changing the order of addition or multiplication does not change the value. Ex:
a+b+c = c+a+b
compound inequality
Two inequalities combined in one statement by the word "and" or "or".
consistent system
A system of equations with at least one solution.
constant
A term with no variables.
coordinate plane
Formed by two number lines that cross each other at zero.
coordinates
Ordered pairs that identify points on a plane.
, denominator
The lower half of a fraction.
dependent system
A system of equations that has infinite solutions.
difference
The answer to a subtraction problem.
difference of two squares
A binomial whose terms are perfect squares being subtracted.
direct variation
An equation in the form y=kx, where k does not equal zero.
discriminant
The expression inside the radical of the quadratic formula.
MUST KNOW KEY TERMS (2025-2026)
absolute value
The distance between a real number and zero on a number line.
additive inverse
The opposite of a number. When added together, the sum is zero.
algebraic expression
A collection of numbers and variables with at least one arithmetic operation.
associative property
The grouping of terms within expressions involving addition or multiplication does
not change the value. Ex: (a+b) + c = a + (b+c)
,axis of symmetry
The line that divides a graph into two symmetrical parts.
base
The repeated factor of a number written in exponential form.
binomial
A two-term polynomial.
coefficient
The numerical value of a term.
combine like terms
Adding or subtracting terms that have the same variable(s) and exponent(s).
commutative property
,Changing the order of addition or multiplication does not change the value. Ex:
a+b+c = c+a+b
compound inequality
Two inequalities combined in one statement by the word "and" or "or".
consistent system
A system of equations with at least one solution.
constant
A term with no variables.
coordinate plane
Formed by two number lines that cross each other at zero.
coordinates
Ordered pairs that identify points on a plane.
, denominator
The lower half of a fraction.
dependent system
A system of equations that has infinite solutions.
difference
The answer to a subtraction problem.
difference of two squares
A binomial whose terms are perfect squares being subtracted.
direct variation
An equation in the form y=kx, where k does not equal zero.
discriminant
The expression inside the radical of the quadratic formula.
