Mathematics key terms

The notation for the inverse of the function $f$; it is read as “$f$ inverse of $x$”.

The operation that reverses another operation, such as multiplication reversing division.

Operations that undo one another, such as addition and subtraction or multiplication and division.

A relationship in which one variable is a constant multiple of the reciprocal of another, so it can be written in the form $y=\frac{k}{x}$.

The operation used to find an angle from its sine value, written $\sin^{-1}$.

A calculator operation that finds an angle from its sine or cosine, such as $A=\cos^{-1}(0.6)$.

A number that cannot be written as a fraction of two integers. Its decimal expansion continues forever without repeating.

A drawing that represents a three-dimensional object using three directions to show its width, depth and height.

A drawing that represents a three-dimensional solid using vertical lines and two sets of equally spaced diagonal lines.

A transformation that preserves lengths and angles, so the image is congruent to the original shape.

A triangle with at least two equal sides; the angles opposite those sides are equal.

A repeated calculation in which each output is used as the next input.

A rule such as $x_{n+1}=g(x_n)$ that generates each new value from the preceding value.

A formula such as $x_{n+1}=f(x_n)$ that defines each value from an earlier value.

An explanation of what each symbol, colour or style in a diagram denotes. In a pictogram, it also states the numerical value represented by one symbol.

A point such as an intercept, turning point or endpoint that can be transformed first to help construct the new graph.

The study of motion using quantities such as distance, time, speed and acceleration.

A quadrilateral with two pairs of equal adjacent sides.

Text that identifies a variable, category or unit on a chart or graph.

Rules used to rewrite and simplify powers while preserving their value.

A question whose wording encourages a particular answer.

The term $ax^2$ in $ax^2+bx+c$; its coefficient is called the leading coefficient.

The distance between two points, measured in units such as millimetres, centimetres, metres or kilometres.

The multiplier that changes a length on one shape into the corresponding length on another.

Terms with the same surd part after simplification, such as $3\sqrt{5}$ and $8\sqrt{5}$.

Terms with the same surd part and the same variables raised to the same powers, so their coefficients can be collected.

Terms with exactly the same letters raised to the same powers, although their numerical coefficients may differ.

Terms with exactly the same variable part, including the same letters raised to the same powers.

A restriction on the possible value of a quantity caused by the accuracy with which it was recorded.

The smallest and greatest boundaries consistent with the stated accuracy of a rounded measurement.