Eduqas GCSE Mathematics key terms

The probabilities assigned to all the possible outcomes of a situation.

A process with an uncertain result, such as rolling a die or tossing a coin.

Writing factors multiplied together, using powers to shorten repeated factors; for example, $2\times2\times3=2^2\times3$.

A counting method that multiplies the numbers of choices at successive stages, provided the number available at each stage is the same for every earlier choice.

A logical argument showing that a statement follows from given information and established mathematical facts.

A proof that assumes a statement is false and shows that this assumption leads to an impossibility.

A fraction whose positive numerator is smaller than its denominator, so its value is less than 1.

An equality between ratios, written as $a:b=c:d$ or $\frac{a}{b}=\frac{c}{d}$, where the denominators are non-zero.

A solid with a polygonal base and triangular side faces that meet at one apex.

In a right-angled triangle, the square of the hypotenuse equals the sum of the squares of the other two sides: $c^2=a^2+b^2$, where $c$ is the hypotenuse.

One of the four regions into which the coordinate axes divide the Cartesian plane.

An equation whose highest-degree variable terms have degree two, such as $x^2$, $y^2$ or $xy$.

An algebraic expression whose highest power of the variable is 2, such as $ax^2+bx+c$, where $a\ne0$.

A formula for solving $ax^2+bx+c=0$: $x=\frac{-b\pm\sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}$.

A function of the form $y = ax^2 + bx + c$, with $a \neq 0$. Its graph is a parabola.

An inequality involving a quadratic expression, which can be rearranged into $ax^2+bx+c<0$, $>0$, $\leq0$ or $\geq0$, where $a\ne0$.

A sequence whose nth term has the form $an^2+bn+c$, where $a\ne0$. Its second differences are constant and non-zero.

A four-sided polygon.

A set of questions used to collect information from people.

A straight line segment joining the centre of a circle to its circumference; also the length of that segment.

A process governed by chance, so its individual result cannot be predicted with certainty. Random outcomes need not be equally likely.

A sample selected by chance so that every member of the population has an equal probability of selection.

The largest data value minus the smallest data value.

An amount for each one unit of another quantity, such as earnings per hour. ‘Per’ means division.

How much one quantity changes for each unit increase in another quantity.

The amount of money earned per unit of time, such as pounds per hour.

A comparison of quantities by their relative sizes. $A:B=3:5$ means that for every three equal parts of $A$, there are five of $B$.