The Basics (Leaving Cert Mathematics): Flashcards

A fixed value that does not change

A symbol representing an unknown value (e.g., $x$, $y$)

A number that multiplies a variable (e.g., $4$ in $4x$)

Single component of expression, separated by $+$ or $-$

Combination of terms with variables, constants, operations

Statement showing two expressions are equal (e.g., $2x+6=10$)

Terms with same variable and same degree (power)

Sum their coefficients only

When no more like terms can be added

Order doesn't matter: $6+4 = 4+6$

Add the powers: $x^a imes x^b = x^{a+b}$

$a(b+c) = ab + ac$

Subtract the exponents: $x^a div x^b = x^{a-b}$

Repeated multiplication

Brackets, Indices, Mult/Div, Add/Subtract