AQA Level 2 Certificate Further Mathematics key terms

A function formed by applying two or more functions in succession, using each output as the next input.

A shape formed by joining two or more simpler shapes.

The property of having exactly the same shape and size. Corresponding sides and angles of congruent shapes are equal.

The expression formed by changing the sign between two terms: the conjugate of $a+b\sqrt{c}$ is $a-b\sqrt{c}$.

Integers that follow immediately after one another, represented by $n$, $n+1$, $n+2$, and so on.

A restriction linking quantities in a problem, such as a fixed total length or cost.

A pair of numbers $(x,y)$ giving a point's position: $x$ is its horizontal coordinate and $y$ is its vertical coordinate.

An ordered pair $(x,y)$ giving a point’s position on a Cartesian plane: $x$ is its horizontal coordinate and $y$ is its vertical coordinate.

Angles in matching positions at two intersections made by a transversal. They are equal when the crossed lines are parallel.

The $x$-coordinate of the point reached on the unit circle after rotating through an angle $\theta$: $\cos\theta=x$.

A relationship valid in any triangle: $a^2=b^2+c^2-2bc\cos A$, where $A$ is the angle between sides $b$ and $c$ and opposite side $a$.

The two-dimensional shape formed by cutting through a solid.

A quadrilateral whose four vertices lie on the circumference of one circle.

A function whose y-value falls as x increases over an interval. A negative derivative, $\frac{dy}{dx}<0$, indicates decreasing behaviour.

A conclusion that follows logically from given information or previously established results.

The highest power of the variable with a non-zero coefficient in a polynomial.

The expression below a fraction bar; it must not equal zero.

An expression, written $\frac{dy}{dx}$ or $f'(x)$, that gives the gradient of a curve at each value of $x$ where it is defined.

A straight line segment joining two points on a circle and passing through its centre. Its length is twice the radius: $d=2r$.

The factorisation $a^2-b^2=(a-b)(a+b)$, which holds for all values of $a$ and $b$.

The process of finding the derivative, or gradient function, of a function.

The angle between two intersecting planes, measured using lines in the planes that are perpendicular to their common line of intersection.

A relationship in which one quantity is a constant multiple of another: $y=kx$.

The rule that multiplication distributes over addition: $a(b+c)=ab+ac$.

The set of allowed input values for a function, often restricted by the meaning of a practical problem.

An individual number or algebraic expression in a matrix, identified by its row and column.

Removing an unknown by adding or subtracting equations, sometimes after multiplying whole equations by suitable numbers.

A transformation that scales distances from a fixed centre by a scale factor. A negative scale factor places image points on the opposite side of the centre.

Matching the coefficients of the same powers of a variable in two polynomial expressions that are equal for every value of that variable.