MYP Standard Mathematics Number and Algebra Foundations Key Definitions

If a quantity has true value $T$ and an estimate (or measured value) $A$, the absolute error is $|A-T|$.

For a real number $x$, the absolute value $|x|$ is its distance from $0$ on the number line.

The measure of the size of a two-dimensional surface, expressed in square units.

The number being raised to a power in an exponential expression.

The amount of space available to hold something, often measured in liters (L) or milliliters (ml).

The set of elements not in a set. The complement of $A$ (relative to $U$) is $A'$.

A unit formed by combining other units through multiplication or division, such as km/h or m/s.

The small raised number in a power, for example the $n$ in $10^{n}$, which tells how many times the base is multiplied by itself. Negative exponents represent reciprocals.

The integers $\mathbb{Z}$ are the whole numbers and their negatives: $\{\dots,-3,-2,-1,0,1,2,3,\dots\}$.

An irrational number is a real number that cannot be written in the form $\frac{a}{b}$ with integers $a$ and $b\neq 0$. The set of irrationals is often written $\mathbb{Q}'$.

A one-dimensional measure of size, describing how long something is.

The natural numbers $\mathbb{N}$ are the counting numbers. Depending on convention, $0$ may or may not be included.

A number being multiplied by itself a specific number of times. Power is the whole expression including the base and the exponent.

A process of understanding a task, choosing and applying strategies to reach a solution, and checking that the result makes sense.

An irrational number written in radical form, such as $\sqrt{2}$ or $2\sqrt{3}$.

The symbol $\sqrt{\;}$ used to indicate a root.

The number or expression inside the radical sign, for example the $5$ in $\sqrt{5}$.

A rational number $q$ is any number that can be written as a fraction $q=\frac{a}{b}$ where $a,b\in\mathbb{Z}$ and $b\neq 0$.

The real numbers $\mathbb{R}$ are all numbers that can be placed on the number line, including both rational and irrational numbers.

A way to write very large or very small numbers in the form $A\times 10^n$, where $1\le A<10$ and $n$ is an integer.

A collection of objects. Each object in the set is called an element (or member) of the set.

A set $A$ is a subset of $B$ (written $A\subseteq B$) if every element of $A$ is also an element of $B$.

A structured set of units based on chosen base units, with rules for creating and converting other (derived) units.

A method where you first find the value for 1 unit (one item, one person, one hour, one trip) and then scale up to the required amount.