Glossary Term Definition

abscissa The first number of an ordered pair. The x-coordinate of a point

graphed in the coordinate plane.
absolute value The absolute value of a number a is its distance from zero on a
number line and is represented by a . Example: The absolute
value of -2 is 2, or −2 = 2.
absolute value function A function written as f(x) = x , where f(x) ≥ 0 for all values of x.
accuracy The closeness of a measurement to its true value.
acute angle An angle with a measure greater than 0° and less than 90°.

acute triangle A triangle in which each angle measures less than 90°.

Addition Property of If you add the same number to each side of an equation, the
Equality two sides remain equal. For any numbers a, b, and c, if a = b,
then a + c = b + c. Example: If x = 3, then x + 5 = 3 + 5.
additive identity The sum of any number and 0 is the number. For any number a,
a + 0 = 0 + a = a. Example: 6 + 0 = 0 + 6 = 6
additive inverse A number that when added to a given number results in a sum
of zero. Example: The additive inverse of 4 is -4 because 4 + (-
4) = 0.
adjacent angles Angles that have the same vertex, share a common side, and
do not overlap. In the figure, ∠1 and ∠2 are adjacent angles

adjacent arcs Arcs of a circle with one point in common. In the figure, arc PQ
and arc QR are adjacent arcs.

algebra A mathematical language that uses symbols, usually letters that

stand for unknowns, along with numbers.
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Glossary Term Definition

algebraic expression An expression consisting of one or more numbers and variables
along with one or more arithmetic operations.
alternate exterior angles In the figure, transversal t intersects lines l and m. ∠1 and ∠7,
and ∠2 and ∠8 are alternate exterior angles.

alternate interior angles In the figure, transversal t intersects lines l and m. ∠3 and ∠5,
and ∠4 and ∠6 are alternate interior angles.

altitude A line segment perpendicular to the base of a figure with

endpoints on the base and on the vertex opposite the base.

altitude of a trapezoid A segment perpendicular to the lines containing the bases.

altitude of a triangle A perpendicular segment in which one endpoint is a vertex of

the triangle and the other is a point on the side opposite the
vertex.