Pre-algebra vocabulary: 16 terms with definitions

An equation saying two ratios are equal, such as 2/4 = 3/6.

How likely an event is, from 0 (impossible) to 1 (certain).

Part of a group that is studied to learn about the whole group.

The ratio between the size of a drawing or model and the real thing, such as 1 inch to 10 feet.

The distance around a circle: pi times the diameter.

A straight line from one side of a circle to the other through its center; it is twice the radius.

The distance from the center of a circle to its edge.

A letter that stands for a number that is unknown or can change.

A math sentence with an equals sign; solving it finds the value of the variable.

A math sentence with a sign such as <, >, ≤ or ≥, true for a range of values rather than one.

Multiplying a sum by a number is the same as multiplying each part and adding: 3 × (4 + 5) = 3 × 4 + 3 × 5.

The number in front of a variable, which multiplies it: in 4x, the coefficient is 4.

A number's distance from zero, always positive or zero: both 6 and −6 have an absolute value of 6.

The number the same distance from zero on the other side: the opposite of 6 is −6.

An amount taken off a price, often given as a percent.

Money paid for borrowing money, or earned on money saved, usually a percent of the amount.