Algebra Regents Review

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 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.

Front

What is a linear equation?

Back

An equation that forms a straight line when graphed, typically in the form y = mx + b, where m is the slope and b is the y-intercept.

Front

Define slope in the context of a linear equation.

Back

The slope (m) represents the rate of change of the dependent variable (y) with respect to the independent variable (x), calculated as rise/run.

Front

What is the y-intercept?

Back

The point where the line crosses the y-axis, represented by the value of y when x = 0 in the equation of a line.

Front

What is a quadratic equation?

Back

An equation of the form ax² + bx + c = 0, where a, b, and c are constants and a ≠ 0.

Front

What does factoring a polynomial involve?

Back

Rewriting the polynomial as a product of its factors, which can help in solving equations or simplifying expressions.