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.