Page 64 - Math 9-10 (2009)

GLOSSARY 63
parabola. The graph of a quadratic relation of theformy=ax2 +bx+c(a≠0).Thegraph, which resembles the letter “U”, is symmetrical.
partial variation. A relationship between two variables in which one variable is a mul- tiple of the other, plus some constant number. For example, the cost of a taxi fare has two components, a flat fee and a fee per kilometre driven. A formula representing the situation of a flat fee of $2.00 and a fee rate of $0.50/km would be F = 0.50d + 2.00, where F is the total fare and d is the number of kilometres driven.
polygon. A closed figure formed by three or more line segments. Examples of polygons are triangles, quadrilaterals, pentagons, and octagons.
polynomial. See polynomial expression.
polynomial expression. An algebraic expression taking the form
a+bx+cx2 +...,wherea,b,andcare numbers.
population. Statistics. The total number of individuals or items under consideration in a surveying or sampling activity.
primary trigonometric ratios. The basic ratios of trigonometry (i.e., sine, cosine, and tangent).
prism. A three-dimensional figure with two parallel, congruent polygonal bases. A prism is named by the shape of its bases; for example, rectangular prism, triangular prism.
proportional reasoning. Reasoning or problem solving based on the examination of equal ratios.
Pythagorean theorem. The conclusion that, in a right triangle, the square of the length of the longest side is equal to the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other two sides.
quadratic equation. An equation that con- tains at least one term whose exponent is 2, and no term with an exponent greater than 2; for example,x2 + 7x + 10 = 0.
quadratic formula. A formula for determin- ing the roots of a quadratic equation of the form ax2 + bx + c = 0. The formula is phrased in terms of the coefficients of the quadratic equation:
x= –b􏰀√b2–4ac. 2a
quadratic relation. A relation whose equa- tion is in quadratic form; for example, y=x2 +7x+10.
quadrilateral. A polygon with four sides.
rate of change. The change in one variable relative to the change in another. The slope of a line represents rate of change.
rational number. A number that can be expressed as the quotient of two integers where the divisor is not 0.
realistic situation. A description of an event or events drawn from real life or from an experiment that provides experience with such an event.
real root of an equation. A solution to an equation that is an element of the set of real numbers. The set of real numbers includes all numbers commonly used in daily life: all fractions, all decimals, all negative and positive numbers.
regression. A method for determining the equation of a curve (not necessarily a straight line) that fits the distribution of points on a scatter plot.
relation. An identified relationship between variables that may be expressed as a table of values, a graph, or an equation.
representivity. A principle of data analysis that involves selecting a sample that is typical of the characteristics of the population from which it is drawn.
right bisector. The line that is perpendicular to a given line segment and that passes through its midpoint.
right triangle. A triangle containing one 90o angle.