The Facts On File Algebra Handbook

parabolaThe curved line GRAPHformed by plotting a QUADRATIC EQUATION. The parabola contains a VERTEX, an axis that runs through ...

parallel planesTwo or more PLANEs that are exactly the same DISTANCE apart. Parallel planes cannot intersect. Pascal’s triangleO ...

in size, such as the plane represented in a CARTESIAN COORDINATE SYSTEMgraph. point The COORDINATESof an ordered pair on a Carte ...

probabilityThe RATIOthat tells the likelihood of an event happening. If an event is certain to happen, the probability is 1. If ...

the faces of a pyramid always join at the top to form a common point, or VERTEX. See alsoSECTION IV CHARTS AND TABLES. Pythagore ...

SECOND-DEGREE EQUATION, an x^3 is a THIRD-DEGREE EQUATION, anx^4 is a fourth-degree equation, x^5 is a fifth-degree equation, an ...

sequence, plus the rule on how the nth TERMof the sequence is related to the first terms. An example of a recursive formula is t ...

remainderThe amount left over after one number is divided by another number. The DIFFERENCEis also sometimes called the remainde ...

number 2,978 to the nearest hundred, that next greatest value is 3,000. The guide used to determine if a number should be rounde ...

series The SUMof a specific SETof sequentially ordered TERMs. set Any collection of numbers, objects, or elements. Sets are usua ...

GLOSSARY solving the equation GLOSSARY solving the equation Similar figures ...

sphere A closed three-dimensional round SOLIDthat is, at all points, EQUIDISTANTfrom the center. See alsoSECTION IV CHARTS AND T ...

sum The total obtained by adding numbers together. For example, in 7 + 3 = 10, the total 10 is the sum; and in 3 + 5 + 9 = 17, t ...

trapeziumA four-sided POLYGON(QUADRILATERAL) that has no parallel sides. See alsoSECTION IV CHARTS AND TABLES. trapezoidA four-s ...

unit A single whole quantity; the number one. value The numerical quantity of a VARIABLEor FUNCTION. variable Letter or symbol u ...

vertex 1. The common point from which two lines form an ANGLE. The point on a TRIANGLEthat is opposite the base of the triangle ...

y-axis The VERTICAL AXIS(vertical NUMBER LINE) in a CARTESIAN COORDINATE SYSTEMgraph. POSITIVE NUMBERs are up from the ORIGINon ...

SECTION TWO BIOGRAPHIES ...

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Abel, Niels Henrik (1802–29) Norwegian who, in the words of mathematician Charles Hermite, left the mathematical world “enough t ...