Unit 2: One- and Two-Step Equations, Expressions, and Properties
solve
obtain an answer using algebraic and/or numerical methods
inverse operation
The quantity which cancels out the a given quantity.
evaluate
To find the value of a numerical or algebraic expression
simplify
To make a fraction easier to work with by taking out common factors. In an expression, combining variables that have like unknowns.
equation
a mathematical statement that two expressions are equal
distributive property
a(b + c) = ab + ac; a number outside the parenthesis can be multiplied to each term within the parenthesis
expression
Any mathematical calculation or formula combining numbers and/or variables using sums, differences, products, quotients (including fractions), exponents, roots, logarithms, trig functions, parentheses, brackets, functions, or other mathematical operations. Expressions may not contain the equal sign (=) or any type of inequality.
commutative property
In mult or add, the order of two numbers may be switched around and the answer is the same. Ex: a+b = b+a.
reciprocal
In other words, a fraction flipped upside down.
associate property
Numbers hang out with each other in different parentheses but are still equal (4 x 5) x 2 = 4 x (5 x2)
equivalent
Numbers or expressions that have the same value.