Basic Online Algebra Course Vocabulary

For those of us who are not mathematically inclined, looking for an algebra online course can be as bewildering as the course work itself. While browsing through the hundreds of available choices for an online algebra course, you will encounter descriptions of the courses and their objectives written with a vocabulary that may seem like a foreign language. The following list contains a few definitions that may come in handy as you evaluate and choose your college classes online. Basic Algebraic Operations All introductory or basic algebra college classes online should cover the most basic operations performed in the study of algebra. Although the order of certain topics may differ depending on which online algebra course you choose, you should find these terms mentioned in the beginning of the syllabus. *Real number - actual numbers, not imaginary ones *Polynomial - In an algebra online course, this term means a function of one or more summed terms. These terms will each consist of constant multipliers and variables raised to integral powers *Rational - A term that can be expressed as a quotient containing integers *Irrational number - A real number that cannot be expressed as the ratio between integers *Radicals - The root of a term as expressed with the √ (radical sign) *Variable - A symbol representing a number not yet determined (x or y) *Coefficient - A number that multiplies a variable; 5 is the coefficient in the term “5x” *Operator - The symbol in an equation representing an action between two terms; “+” in the equation “2 + 2” *Expression - A grouping of terms which are separated by operators: “5x + 2” Linear and Quadratic Equations Linear equations and quadratic equations should be covered by any algebra online course. These are a few of the terms you may encounter in the descriptions of what an online algebra course will offer: *Linear Equation - An equation that only contains terms of the first degree *Quadratic Equation - An equation that contains terms of the second degree *Absolute Value - A real number’s numeric value without regard to any sign used in relation to it *Inequalities - Algebraic statements that two terms are not equal *Square Root - The divisor of a term that when multiplied by itself is equivalent to the term Functions and Graphs Better algebra college classes online will contain the study graphs and linear relationships. *Coordinates - A set of numbers that determines the point of position in a space or in a graph *Parallel - Being equidistant and never intersecting *Slope - The measured quantity of deviation from horizontal *Linear Equation - An equation in algebra using only terms of the first degree *Graph - a drawing or diagram that represents the relationship between two numbers or quantitative relationships These are only some of the most basic terms you will encounter while exploring algebra college classes online. When you are choosing which online algebra course to take, make sure that they are speaking the language of algebra in the course description. Although they may be general in nature, an algebra online course description should detail the topics to be covered by the course and should include at least the most rudimentary terms.