Author: paulpatenaude

Paul Patenaude a une expérience de plus de 35 années dans l'enseignement et l'animation pédagogique en mathématiques au primaire et au secondaire, au Québec et à l'étranger. Il est auteur ou co-auteur de nombreux ouvrages dédiés à l'enseignement des mathématiques dont ce lexique des termes utilisés avec les jeunes de 5 à 17 ans. Il peaufine ce lexique depuis plus de 30 ans. Prix d'excellence du GRMS (prix Claude Janvier) en 1997, prix du meilleur article de la revue l'Envol du GRMS (prix Euler) en 1992. Il adore voyager et a déjà exploré de nombreux pays sur les cinq continents, curieux à la fois des cultures et de l'histoire. Il apprécie recevoir vos commentaires et vos questions auxquelles il s'empressera de répondre.

Space-Filling Polyhedron

Polyhedron that allows for a tessellation of space, that creates honeycombs. The cube and the right rectangular prism tessellates space. The truncated octahedron tessellates space. The right triangular prism tessellates space. Example A cube is a space-filling polyhedron. See also: Cube Right rectangular prism Right triangular prism

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Number Line

Directed and graduated line or ray used to support the graphic representation of a set of numbers. Graph A number axis is represented by a directed and graduated ray on which the x-coordinate of the numbers are usually displayed under each graduation. An arrow at one end indicates the increasing order of the axis. Example [...]

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Honeycomb

Method of filling space using polyhedra arranged in such a way that there is no free space, stacking or overlapping between the polyhedra. To create a honeycomb, it is not necessary for all of the polyhedra used to be space-filling polyhedra. When filling a two-dimensional plane space, we use the term tessellation instead. Example Here [...]

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Reflex Angle

Angle whose measure is between the measure of a straight angle and a full angle. Synonym for re-entrant angle. Example The angle AOB below is a reflex.

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Chance (Unpredictability)

Circumstance that is unpredictable and whose effects can be favourable or unfavourable. Characteristic of what occurs outside of all objective or subjective norms or rules. Examples In everyday life, we often talk about good luck or bad luck. Julie says that she was unlucky during the last lottery draw. It’s chance that decided the winners; [...]

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Piecewise Function

Function f of \(\mathbb{R}\) in \(\mathbb{R}\) whose rule is made up of several equations applied at different intervals of the domain. The parts that make up such a function can belong to different families of functions. The piecewise function is synonymous with a "hybrid function". Example A car starts and accelerates constantly for 5.35 seconds until it reaches [...]

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Flip

Synonym for reflection.

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Line Mapping Corresponding Points in a Geometric Transformation

Line or curve that passes through a point P and its image t(P). See also: Lines mapping corresponding points in a dilation Lines mapping corresponding points in a reflection Lines mapping corresponding points in a rotation Lines mapping corresponding points in a translation

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Asymptote

Line in which the distance to any given point of a curve tends toward zero when this point moves away on the curve infinitely (in the positive or negative direction of the independent variable). Properties A horizontal asymptote is a line that is parallel with the x-axis. A vertical asymptote is a line that is [...]

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Capital

Initial amount of money invested in a financial operation.

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Generatrix

Line whose movement along a simple curve, called a directrix, creates a surface. Generatrix of a cone Line that passes through a fixed point A and that moves in space following a simple closed curved line called the directrix of the cone. The surface created in this way is called the conical surface. Generatrix of [...]

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Sliding

Synonym for direct isometry. Sliding is one way to move an object. Just think of a sled sliding over the snow or a skate sliding over the ice. Examples Translations and rotations of a plane are examples of sliding.

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Hendecagon

Polygon with eleven sides. A hendecagon is considered regular if all of its sides are the same length and if all of its interior angles have the same measure. If the hendecagon is regular, each of its interior angles measures about 147.3°. Formula The formula to calculate the area A of a regular hendecagon with [...]

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Image of a Figure Under a Geometric Transformation

Figure obtained by applying a transformation to an initial figure. Examples These are two examples of images obtained after a translation: See also: Image of a function Image of a relation

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Origin of a System of Axes

Point of intersection of the two axes in a Cartesian coordinate system. Example The point at the coordinates (0, 0) is the origin of this system of axes.

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Slope

Rate of variation between two points of a line or a segment in a Cartesian plane. The term slope of a line is synonymous with the highest degree coefficient of the line. The slope indicates how the line rises when we read it from left to right. In a Cartesian plane, the slope m of the line [...]

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Rule of Three

In a situation of proportionality, the mathematical reasoning that makes it possible to determine a missing term when you know all of the other terms. This proportional reasoning, gave rise to an algorithm called cross multiplication, which is easy to visualize and to apply. Example We used 8 litres of paint to repaint the walls of [...]

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Trigonometry

Branch of mathematics that studies trigonometric functions, the relations between these functions, the relations between the sides and the angles of a triangle, and their applications to different problems. Circular trigonometry is a part of trigonometry that studies the properties of circular functions of angles and arcs.

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Tile

Polygon used to create a tessellation on a plane. Example Square tiles tessellate the plane.

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Coordinate System

Set of the appropriate symbols and rules that make it possible to locate points or positions in a given space. A coordinate system is a structured system of appropriate mathematical symbols and elements as well as rules that govern these symbols and elements that make it possible to locate objects like points, regions, etc. in [...]

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Geoboard

Educational material designed for the construction and study of the properties of plane geometric figures. Essentially, it is a board with nails arranged in the form of a dotted graph. The figures are created using different colours of elastic bands.

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Rotation in a Cartesian Plane

Transformation of \(\mathbb{R} \times \mathbb{R}\) in \(\mathbb{R} \times \mathbb{R}\)  in which the Cartesian representation corresponds to a rotation in a geometric plane. Formulas The rule of a rotation \(r_O\) of 90° centered on the origin point \(O\) of the Cartesian plane, in the positive direction (counter-clockwise), is \(r_O : (x,  y) ↦ (−y, x)\). The rule of a rotation [...]

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Dilation in a Cartesian Plane

Transformation of \(\mathbb{R} \times \mathbb{R}\) in \(\mathbb{R} \times \mathbb{R}\)  whose Cartesian representation corresponds to a dilation in a geometric plane. Formulas The rule of a dilation \(h_O\) centered on the origin point \(O\) in the Cartesian plane is \(h_O : (x,  y) ↦ (kx, ky)\). For a dilation \(h\) with a scale factor \(k\) centered on the origin point [...]

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Variable Term

In an algebraic expression, an equation or an inequality, a term that contains at least one variable quantity, represented by one or more letters. Examples In the equation 2x + y + 8 = 0, the terms 2x and y are variable terms. In the algebraic expression 7ab² + 25, the term 7ab² is a [...]

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Exterior Angle of a Circle

Angle whose vertex is outside a circle and whose sides are tangents or secants to the circle. Example In the figure below, angle BAE is an exterior angle of the circle with centre O. Property The degree measure of angle BAC below is equal to one-half the difference of the degree measures of the arcs [...]

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Change of Scale

In the representation of a phenomenon, an operation that consists of modifying the scale of measurement in order to either provide a larger overview or focus attention on a more detailed part of the data. Example In a cartesian plane, a change of scale can be obtained by changing the graduations on the axes.

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Contraction

Given two similar figures, \(F\) and \(F’\), \(F’\) is called a contraction of \(F\) if the similarity ratio \(r\) of \(F’\) to \(F\) is strictly between 0 and 1. Synonym of reduction. A contraction (reduction) is the result of a dilation where 0 < k < 1 (k is the scale factor). Example In this illustration, [...]

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Equilateral Hyperbola

A hyperbola whose two asymptotes are perpendicular to each other. See also:  Hyperbola in a plane.

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Dimension of a Vector Space

Number of vectors in a basis for a vector space. All the bases of a given vector space have the same number of vectors. This number determines the dimension of the vector space. This is what is meant by "basis of a vector space". Examples The vector \(\overrightarrow{u}\) = (3, -5, 6) is a three-dimensional [...]

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Net of a Polyhedron

Flat representation of all the faces of a polyhedron so that each face is joined to at least one other by an edge and all the faces are linked to one another at least in pairs. Example This is the net of a right prism: This is the net of a cuboctahedron (Archimedean solid):

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Net of a Cone and a Cylinder

The flat representation of the various surfaces of a cone or a cylinder so that each face is joined to at least one other by at least one point, and all the surfaces are linked to one another. A solid has a net if its surface can be laid out in a flat pattern that [...]

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Net of a Solid

Flat representation of the surfaces of a solid that shows all the surfaces on the same plane, so that each surface is joined to at least one other surface by an edge thereby linking all the surfaces to one another. Example This is the net of a decomposable solid: See also: Net of a cone [...]

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Measure of Position

Number that describes the position of a value in the distribution of a statistical variable when these values are ordered. The measures of position are percentile rank, quantile rank and quintile rank.

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Protractor

An instrument used for measuring and drawing angles in a figure. This is a protractor: This instrument is graduated in degrees.

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Solving Triangles

In plane geometry, a triangle is solved by finding the measures of its different elements (sides, angles) using certain known measures. See also: Triangle Area Perimeter

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Similarity

General term applied to dilations and transformations of the plane resulting from a dilation or the composition of an isometry and a dilation. Example Consider right triangle ABC and point O. Triangle \(\textrm{A}^{\prime}\)\(\textrm{B}^{\prime}\)\(\textrm{C}^{\prime}\) is the image of triangle \(ABC\) after a rotation of one quarter turn about point O. Triangle \(\textrm{A}^{\prime\prime}\)\(\textrm{B}^{\prime\prime}\)\(\textrm{C}^{\prime\prime}\) is the image of [...]

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System of Inequalities

A finite set of inequalities that can be verified simultaneously. A system of inequalities in two variables can be represented in a Cartesian plane using the graph of each inequality. The points of intersection of these graphs are the solutions to the system. Example Consider the system of inequalities defined by the following relationships:  y ≥ 2x [...]

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Table

Set of data grouped and presented in the form of a grid of rows and columns to make it easy to consult. See also: Multiplication table Number table Pythagorean table Table of values Truth table

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Interior Angle of a Circle

Angle whose vertex is inside a circle and whose sides are chords of the circle. Property The degree measure of angle CAF below is equal to one-half the measure of the intercepted arc angle. Example In the figure below, angle CAF is an interior angle of the circle with centre O. Therefore: m\(∠\textrm{CAF} = \frac{\textrm{m} [...]

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Interior Angle of a Convex Polygon

The interior angle of a convex polygon is formed by two adjacent sides of the polygon. Example In the figure below, angle BDC is an interior angle of polygon ABCD. It is formed by the side BD and the side CD.

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Centre of a Circle

Point located at an equal distance from all the points on a circle. Example In this circle, the centre is point O. Points A and B are both at an equal distance from the centre O.

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Edge of a Polygonal Chain

Each line segment that forms a polygonal chain.

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Centre of Dilation

The centre of dilation is a fixed point in the plane from which all points are expanded or contracted. Example In this figure, point C, which is the meeting point of the coincident lines \(\overline{PD(P)}\) and \(\overline{QD(Q)}\), is the centre of the dilation D:

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Base of an Exponential Equation

In an exponential equation, the base is the number that has an independent variable as an exponent. Example In the exponential equation 2x = 32, the base is 2 and the exponent x is the independent variable.

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Coefficient of a Monomial

Literal or numerical constant that multiplies a given variable. Examples In the monomial 5mxy : 5mx is the coefficient of y, 5m is the coefficient of xy, 5 is the coefficient of mxy. The coefficients of the polynomial 4x² + x – 12 are: 4, 1 and –12. The coefficients of the polynomial ax² + bx + c are: a, [...]

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Basis for a Vector Space

In a geometric space E, a linearly independent set of vectors such that every vector in E can be written as a linear combination of the vectors. Through the linear combination of two vectors \(\overrightarrow{u}\) and \(\overrightarrow{v}\) with different directions, you can obtain all the vectors in the plane. Therefore, \((\overrightarrow{u},\space \overrightarrow{v})\) is said to be a [...]

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Expanded Form

Numerical or algebraic expression that represents an expression in which we have solved all of the calculations in parentheses. This expression is also used to refer to the process that consists, inversely, of representing a number or an expression in a form that breaks down its elements. Expanded form is the opposite of factored form. [...]

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Mean

Term that refers to a measure representing a central position in a set of observation data. See also: Arithmetic mean Geometric mean Weighted mean Proportional mean

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Truncation

The result number of a truncation approximation. Example The number 3.1415 is an approximation by truncation to the ten thousandth of the irrational number π while the number 3.1416 is a rounding to the nearest ten thousandths.

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Factored Form

Numerical or algebraic expression that results from a factorization operation. Examples 12(a + 3b) is the factored form of the binomial 12a + 36b. 5(10 – 7) is the factored form of 50 – 35. See also: factorization

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Symmetric Form of the Equation of a Line

The symmetric form of the equation of a line is an equation that presents the two variables x and y in relationship to the x-intercept a and the y-intercept b of this line represented in a Cartesian plane. The symmetric form is presented like this: \(\dfrac{x}{a} + \dfrac{y}{b} =1\), where a and b are non-zero. [...]

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Cartesian Coordinate System

System for locating objects or points in a space using graduated axes that make it possible to determine the position of a point based on coordinates. Example In this figure, which illustrates a Cartesian coordinate system, the coordinates of point A are (6, 2).

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Equivalent

Synonym for “has the same value as” or “is equal to.” This word is used in many different expressions and contexts where we compare two quantities or two representations. Because of this, “written forms” can be equivalent if they translate the same reality; “surfaces” can be equivalent if they have the same area; expressions can [...]

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Sequence of Operations

In arithmetic or algebra, a sequence of operations is a sequence of calculations to solve, including numbers and operation symbols, with or without the presence of parentheses or other grouping symbols. The application of the properties of arithmetic operations and the order of operations leads to solving the operations in a sequence by following this [...]

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Positional Notation

Method of writing numbers in which the position of each number is related to the neighbouring position by a multiplier. The multiplier defines the base of the number system. In the decimal number system, the base of the system is ten, so that the multiplier from one position to the next is 10, when we [...]

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Trimetric Perspective

Mode of representation using trimetric projection, in which the directions of the space are represented without forming isometric angles between them and with different scales on the three projection axes. Property Trimetric perspective preserves the parallelism of the segments as well as the lengths, according to each axis. Example

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Bias

In a statistical inquiry, bias is considered to be a characteristic of a question or an approach that causes the introduction of errors into the results or the interpretation of the results of the inquiry. In a statistical inquiry, a question is said to be biased if the data collected does not reflect the characteristics [...]

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Relative Error

Absolute value of the ratio \(\dfrac{ε}{x}\) between the absolute error ε and the exact value x. \(\left | \dfrac{ε}{x} \right | = \left | \dfrac{α\space−\space{x}}{x} \right | \) The relative error is often expressed as a percentage. Example If the absolute error of a measure is ε = 0.2 m on a measure of 40 m, then [...]

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Absolute Error

In a measurement, the absolute value of the difference ε between the approximate value α and the theoretical value x. In theory, an absolute error is the difference between a theoretical value and an experimental value. It should be noted that a real value can never be obtained through measurement; a measurement is an approximation [...]

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Error

Opinion or result that is inconsistent with reality; a mistake. In mathematics, errors can occur at various levels, such as when a concept is being learned, when a concept is being applied, when calculations are being carried out, when a situation is being represented, etc. Therefore, there are calculation errors, measurement errors, errors in the [...]

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Spherical Degree

Portion of the area of a surface of a sphere equal to \(\frac{1}{720}\) of the whole surface of the sphere. In the sexagesimal system, the spherical degree is defined by a birectangular spherical triangle in which the third angle measures 1°.

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Reflection in a Cartesian Plane

Transformation of \(\mathbb{R} \times \mathbb{R}\) in \(\mathbb{R} \times \mathbb{R}\) whose Cartesian representation corresponds to a reflection of the geometric plane. Formulas The rule for a reflection \(r_x\) over the x-axis in a Cartesian plane is \(s_x : (x,  y) ↦ (x, −y)\). The rule for a reflection \(r_y\) over the y-axis in a Cartesian plane is \(r_y : (x,  y) ↦ [...]

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Translation in a Cartesian Plane

Transformation of \(\mathbb{R} \times \mathbb{R}\) in \(\mathbb{R} \times \mathbb{R}\) whose Cartesian representation corresponds to a translation of the geometric plane. Formulas The rule of a translation \(t\) with a vector \((a, b)\) in a Cartesian plane is \(t_{a, b} : (x,  y) ↦ (x + a, y + b)\). For a translation \(t\) in the Cartesian plane that is defined [...]

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Transformation Matrix

In the Cartesian plane, a transformation matrix is a matrix that uses the coordinates of an initial point represented by a column matrix, to find the coordinates of its image using a geometric transformation. Therefore, the coordinates of the image are obtained by multiplying the matrix of the corresponding geometric transformation by a column vector (the [...]

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Small Circle of a Sphere

In a sphere of radius R, a circle with a radius that is less than or equal to R. Example In this figure, the circle with centre A that passes through point C of the sphere with centre B, is a small circle of the sphere.

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Frustum

The solid obtained after a cone or pyramid has been cut by one or two planes parallel to its base. Examples A truncated cone is called a frustum if the cone is cut by a plane that is parallel to the base.The solid at the bottom is the frustum of the cone. A truncated pyramid [...]

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Total

Result of an addition. Synonym for sum. Example In this magic square: The total of the numbers shown in each row, column and diagonal is 15.

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Prediction

Method used to determine new values for a specific mathematical model based on the examination of experimental data that led to the development of the model. In statistics, new results are predicted by observing trends in the data examined. In probability, the probability of a specific outcome occurring can be determined based on the frequencies [...]

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One-To-Many

Describes a correspondence between the objects in two sets where one or more elements in the set of departure can be connected to several elements in the set of destination. Functions are one-to-one correspondences, because every element in the domain has a single image in the set of arrival. Example This arrow diagram illustrates a [...]

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Timeline

Graphic representation of data on a number line graduated in intervals of time. A timeline allows us to represent a summary of a period of observation of a phenomenon (scientific, historical, statistical, etc.). Because of this, the timeline is used in history, project management, mathematics, schedule creation, etc.

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Ordinary Fraction

Synonym of fraction. The expression simple fraction is sometimes used to refer to a proper fraction.

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Intersection of Two Lines

The point where two intersecting lines meet. Two coincident lines are not intersecting lines. Therefore, they do not have an intersection point, despite the fact that they have an infinite number of points in common.

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Consecutive Whole Numbers

Whole numbers that immediately follow one another in the sequence of whole numbers. Examples The numbers 23 and 24 are consecutive whole numbers. The numbers 24 and 26 are not consecutive whole numbers, but rather consecutive even numbers.

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Mosaic Blocks

Educational material made up of a set of blocks used in mathematics and formed by several objects in different shapes and colours. They are used in geometry to form patterns, tessellations or represent translations, reflections or rotations, or to study the concept of fractions in arithmetic. A set of mosaic blocks can include 200 or [...]

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Logic Blocks

Educational material made up of a set of blocks used in mathematics that includes several objects that are distinct shapes, colours, thicknesses, and sizes. Logic blocks were introduced in modern mathematics (1960-1975), notably by education instructor Zoltan Paul Dienes. The activities proposed with this material consist in training students’ reasoning for the concepts of a [...]

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Direction of Rotation

The direction of a rotation in a plane that can be defined in terms of the angle of rotation. If the angle of rotation is positive, the direction of rotation is counterclockwise. If the angle of rotation is negative, then the direction of rotation is clockwise. Example In this illustration, the rotation of centre O [...]

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Centre of Rotation

 

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Translation Arrow

A directed line segment used in the representation of a translation to indicate the sense and direction of the geometric transformation. See also: Translation

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Systematic Sample

Finite subset of data chosen based on a systematic process applied to all individuals in a population and considered to be representative of a population or a phenomenon to study. Properties The first subject on a list is chosen at random; the following subjects are chosen in a systematic way by applying a rule where [...]

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Fractal Figure

A mathematical object whose structure is invariant to scale changes. This mathematical object can be a curve, a surface or a solid. In a fractal figure, each element is also a fractal object. Example This is an example of a fractal pyramid.

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Amalie Emmy Noether (1882-1935)

German mathematician and physicist who revolutionized the theories of rings, fields and algebras. (1882 - 1935) From 1908 to 1919, after completing her thesis in mathematics, Noether volunteered at the Mathematical Institute of Erlangen, in Bavaria, a period during which she took an interest in the theories of algebraic invariants and number fields. She was [...]

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Remote Interior Angle

An angle inside a polygon that is not adjacent to an exterior angle.

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Rate of Return

In an investment situation, the ratio between the revenue obtained and the initial down payment. The revenue obtained is the final value, after a certain number of periods, of the amount invested at an established annual interest rate. Example If we invest $1000 at an interest rate of 5% compounded annually, the final value after [...]

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Fraction Bar

Symbol used to separate the numerator from the denominator in a fraction or a rational expression. The fraction bar is a vinculum, or a link between two objects considered as a whole. Symbol The fraction bar symbol is a horizontal line as in \(\frac{2}{3}\) or \(\frac{2x\space+\space5}{3\space+\space5x}\). In some texts or computer formulas in particular, an [...]

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Multiplication of Functions

Binary operation that associates every ordered pair (f, g) of functions, defined on a set E to a set F, with a new function written as f • g and called the product of these functions. To obtain the value of the product of two functions f and g with a variable x, the images f(x) [...]

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Period

Length of time corresponding to the duration of an event or a position on a time scale. These two aspects of the concept of period are used in mathematics, as shown in the examples below. Examples A lease can be granted for a period of two years, that is, for a duration of two years. [...]

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Mathematical Finance

The term "mathematical finance" refers to a set of methods or formulas that can be used to model, quantify and understand phenomena that govern financial operations having a specific time period, such as loans, investments and return calculations, particularly in the area of financial markets. The variables involved in these phenomena are the amounts invested [...]

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Investment

Financial operation that makes it possible to renew and increase saved capital. A financial investment is an activity that makes it possible to accumulate both a capital and the compound interest that this capital generates based on the terms of this investment. The return on an investment can be found using a calculation that accounts [...]

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Mathematical Sentence

Synonym for mathematical expression.

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Mathematical Expression

Description of a situation in which mathematical symbols are used such as digits, operation symbols, relationship symbols or grouping symbols (parentheses, square brackets, etc.). Synonym for number sentence. A mathematical expression is a finite combination of symbols organized according to rules based on the context. The mathematical symbols can represent numbers (constants), variables, arithmetic, algebraic [...]

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Fraction Bar Model

A way of representing a set of fractions using a unit bar that is subdivided into segments of the same length. A bar divided into two segments that are the same length represents halves; a bar divided into three segments that are the same length represents thirds; and so on. Examples

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bijection

One-to-one application between the elements of one or two sets. A bijection is also called a bijective application. See also: Application One-to-one relation

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Numerical Function

Function that takes on values in a set of numbers. A numerical function does not necessarily have a set of numbers as a domain, as is the case in probability; however, its image is always a set of numbers. Examples The relation that associates a whole number with twice its value is a numerical function. It [...]

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Domain of a Function

The set of values for which a function is defined. Example The domain of the function \(f : \mathbb{N} → \mathbb{Q}\space | \space f(x) = \dfrac{1}{x}\) is \(\mathbb{N} \setminus 0\). Therefore: dom(f) = \(\mathbb{N}^{*}\).

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Leonardo Fibonacci (~1180-1250)

Thirteenth-century Italian mathematician. Leonardo Fibonacci (~1180-1250) Fibonacci often accompanied his father, an Italian merchant, on his travels to Syria, Greece and Egypt. During these travels, he came to realize that Indian methods of calculations were by far the best and the most efficient. Upon his return home in 1202, he wrote his historic book, the [...]

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Muhammad Ibn Mūsā al-Khuwārizmī (c. ~780-850)

Mathematician and scientist who worked at the House of Wisdom founded by Caliph al-Maʾmūn in Baghdad. al-Khuwārizmī (~780-850) As was often the custom in Persian and Arabic cultures, the family name was derived from the individual's place of birth. Therefore, Muhammad, son of Mūsā was originally from Khuwārizm (which today is the city of Khiva, [...]

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Properties of Equations

The properties used to solve an equation are the properties of the relationship of equality, reflexivity, symmetry and transitivity and the properties of operations. These properties are as true in arithmetic and algebra as they are in propositional language. This can be summarized as follows: If the same operation is performed on both sides of [...]

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René Descartes (1596-1650)

French philosopher, mathematician, biologist and physicist. René Descartes (1596-1650) René Descartes, mainly known for his book Discourse on the Method, a philosophical treatise, influenced many scientific fields, despite the religious censorship of his time. In his publications, he replaced the syllogism inherited from the Aristotelian period, which had prevailed throughout the Middle Ages through mathematical [...]

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Ada Lovelace (1815-1852)

British mathematician and computer scientist. Ada Lovelace (1815-1852) Ada Lovelace developed an interest in mathematics very young, unlike most young women in the English nobility. After meeting the mathematician Charles Babbage, who was interested in machines capable of making complex calculations quickly, she became fascinated by these machines and envisioned several possible developments. In 1842, [...]

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Niels Henrik Abel (1802-1829)

Norwegian mathematician. Niels Henrik Abel (1802-1829) Abel is credited with having introduced the concept of algebraic numbers, which are solutions to polynomial equations with rational coefficients. Groupes whose internal composition law is commutative were also named after Abel.

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