AC Glossary

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Algebra Connections Glossary

m
	When the equation of a line is expressed in y = mx + b form, the constant m gives the slope of the line. For example, the slope of the line is .
mathematical sentence
	A mathematical sentence is an equation that uses variables to represent unknown quantities. For example, the mathematical sentence b + g = 23 might represent the fact that the total number of boys and girls in the class is 23. It is helpful to define variables using “let” statements before using them in a mathematical sentence. (Also see “ ‘let’ statement.”)
mean
	The mean, or average, of several numbers is one way of defining the “middle” of the numbers. To find the average of a group of numbers, add the numbers together then divide by the number of numbers in the set. For example, the average of the numbers 1, 5, and 6 is (1 + 5 + 6) ÷ 3 = 4.
monomial

multiple representations
	An expression with only one term. It can be a number, a variable, or the product of a number and one or more variables. For example, 7, 3x, − 4ab, and 3x²y are each monomials.
	See: "representation;" and "representations web."
Multiplicative Identity Property
	The Multiplicative Identity Property states that multiplying any expression by 1 leaves the expression unchanged. That is, a(1) = a. For example, 437x · 1 = 437x.
Multiplicative Inverse Property

Multiplicative Property of Equality
	The Multiplicative Inverse Property states that for every nonzero number a there is a number such that . For example, the number 6 has a multiplicative inverse of ; . The multiplicative inverse of a number is usually called its reciprocal. For example, is the reciprocal of 6. For a number in the form , where a and b are non-zero, the reciprocal is .
	The Multiplicative Property of Equality states that equality is maintained if both sides of an equation are multiplied by the same amount. That is, if a = b, then a · c = b · c. For example, if y = 3x, then 2(y) = 2(3x).