Prealgebrathe reference sheet

Every topic in the course, boiled down to its rule, its formula, and one worked example. For review and quick lookups, not for learning a topic the first time.

7 units, 30 sections, 210 topics. Press / to search.

Unit 1 30 topics

Ratios & Percentages

Comparing quantities, rates, and parts of 100.

1.1 Ratios

Cats444Dogs443 shares = 122 shares = 83 : 2 with a total of 20 → 5 shares → 1 share = 4
Tape diagram. A ratio is a count of equal shares; find one share and everything follows.
  1. 1.1.1

    Introduction to Ratios

    A ratio compares two quantities in a set order, read “a to b.” Order matters: 3 : 2 is not 2 : 3.

    e.g. 3 cats and 2 dogs → cats to dogs is 3:23:2

    a:b\displaystyle a : b
  2. 1.1.2

    Equivalent Ratios

    Multiply or divide both parts by the same nonzero number and the comparison stays the same.

    e.g. 2:3=4:6=10:152:3 = 4:6 = 10:15

    a:b=ka:kb\displaystyle a : b = ka : kb
  3. 1.1.3

    Writing Ratios Using Fractions

    The ratio a:ba:b can be written ab\tfrac{a}{b}. If a:ba:b is part to part, the whole has a+ba+b parts.

    e.g. boys : girls =3:2= 3:2 → boys are 35\tfrac{3}{5} of the class

    aa+b=fraction of the whole that is a\displaystyle \frac{a}{a+b} = \text{fraction of the whole that is } a
  4. 1.1.4

    Reasoning With Equivalent Ratios

    Find the scale factor between the parts you know, then apply it to the missing part.

    e.g. 2:5=6: ?2:5 = 6:\,? → scale ×3 → 1515

    ab=cd\displaystyle \frac{a}{b} = \frac{c}{d}
  5. 1.1.5

    Further Reasoning With Equivalent Ratios

    Given a total, split it into a+ba+b equal shares and hand out aa shares and bb shares.

    e.g. Split 40 in the ratio 3:53:5 → share =5=5 → 1515 and 2525

    one share=totala+b\displaystyle \text{one share} = \frac{\text{total}}{a+b}
  6. 1.1.6

    Ratio Tables

    Each column is an equivalent ratio. Move between columns by multiplying, or add two columns together.

    e.g. 2 : 3 → 4 : 6 → 6 : 9 → 8 : 12

  7. 1.1.7

    Graphing Ratios

    Plot equivalent ratios as points; they fall on a straight line through the origin.

    e.g. (2,3),(4,6),(6,9)(2,3),(4,6),(6,9) all lie on y=1.5xy=1.5x

    y=ba x\displaystyle y = \tfrac{b}{a}\,x

1.2 Unit Rates

  1. 1.2.1

    Unit Rates

    A rate compares different units. A unit rate is the amount “per 1.” Divide by the second quantity.

    e.g. $6 for 3 lb → $2 per lb

    unit rate=amountnumber of units\displaystyle \text{unit rate} = \frac{\text{amount}}{\text{number of units}}
  2. 1.2.2

    Solving Problems Using Unit Rates

    Find the unit rate, then multiply. For best buy, the lower price per unit wins.

    e.g. $2/lb × 7 lb = $14

    total=unit rate×units\displaystyle \text{total} = \text{unit rate} \times \text{units}
  3. 1.2.3

    Speed as a Unit Rate

    Speed is distance per unit of time. Cover the one you want to find.

    e.g. 150 miles in 3 hours → 50 mph

    s=dt\displaystyle s = \frac{d}{t}
    d=s t\displaystyle d = s\,t
    t=ds\displaystyle t = \frac{d}{s}
  4. 1.2.4

    Unit Rates Associated With Ratios of Fractions

    Divide the fractions: multiply by the reciprocal of the bottom one.

    e.g. 12\tfrac12 mile in 14\tfrac14 hour → 12⋅41=2\tfrac12 \cdot \tfrac41 = 2 mph

    a/bc/d=ab⋅dc\displaystyle \frac{a/b}{c/d} = \frac{a}{b} \cdot \frac{d}{c}
  5. 1.2.5

    Solving Unit Rate Problems Using Ratios of Fractions

    Same move: get the rate “per 1 whole unit,” then scale up or down.

    e.g. 23\tfrac23 cup per 12\tfrac12 batch → 43\tfrac43 cups per batch

1.3 Proportional Relationships

y = 0.5x + 2(0, 0)y = 0.6x
Solid: proportional, a straight line through the origin. Dashed: a starting amount lifts the line off the origin, so it is not proportional.
  1. 1.3.1

    Understanding Proportional Relationships Using Tables

    Proportional when yx\tfrac{y}{x} is the same constant kk in every row.

    e.g. xx: 2, 4, 5 / yy: 6, 12, 15 → k=3k = 3 every time

    k=yx\displaystyle k = \frac{y}{x}
  2. 1.3.2

    Understanding Proportional Relationships Using Graphs

    A straight line through the origin (0,0)(0,0). The point (1,k)(1, k) shows the constant.

    y=kx\displaystyle y = kx
  3. 1.3.3

    Understanding Proportional Relationships From Descriptions

    Look for a constant rate (“per,” “each”) with no starting amount. A fixed fee breaks proportionality.

    e.g. $4 per ticket: yes. $4 per ticket + $5 fee: no.

    y=kx  (proportional)\displaystyle y = kx \;\text{(proportional)}
    y=kx+b, b≠0  (not proportional)\displaystyle y = kx + b,\ b \neq 0 \;\text{(not proportional)}

1.4 Percentages

0%025%2050%4075%60100%80percentamount
Percent bar. The whole is always 100%. Line the percents up with the amounts: 25% of 80 is 20.
  1. 1.4.1

    Understanding Percentages Using Models

    Percent means “per hundred.” A 10 × 10 grid or a bar split into 100 shows it.

    p%=p100\displaystyle p\% = \frac{p}{100}
  2. 1.4.2

    Converting Between Percentages and Fractions

    Percent to fraction: put it over 100 and simplify. Fraction to percent: multiply by 100%.

    35%=35100=720\displaystyle 35\% = \frac{35}{100} = \frac{7}{20}
    38×100%=37.5%\displaystyle \frac{3}{8} \times 100\% = 37.5\%
  3. 1.4.3

    Converting Between Percentages and Decimals

    Move the decimal point two places: left to go from percent to decimal, right to go back.

    45%=0.45\displaystyle 45\% = 0.45
    0.075=7.5%\displaystyle 0.075 = 7.5\%
  4. 1.4.4

    Comparing Fractions, Percents, and Decimals

    Convert everything to one form (decimals are easiest), then compare.

    e.g. 25=0.4\tfrac{2}{5} = 0.4, 38%=0.3838\% = 0.38 → 25\tfrac25 is larger

  5. 1.4.5

    Finding Part of a Number Given a Whole and a Percentage

    “Of” means multiply.

    e.g. 20% of 60 =0.2×60=12= 0.2 \times 60 = 12

    part=p100×whole\displaystyle \text{part} = \frac{p}{100} \times \text{whole}
  6. 1.4.6

    Finding Part of a Number: Word Problems

    Identify the whole first; it usually follows the word “of.”

    e.g. 15% tip on $40 → 0.15×40=0.15 \times 40 = $6

  7. 1.4.7

    Finding a Percentage Given Two Numbers

    Divide the part by the whole, then convert to a percent.

    e.g. 12 out of 48 → 0.250.25 → 25%

    percent=partwhole×100%\displaystyle \text{percent} = \frac{\text{part}}{\text{whole}} \times 100\%
  8. 1.4.8

    Finding a Percentage Given Two Numbers: Word Problems

    The whole is the total, the original, or what follows “out of.”

    e.g. 18 correct out of 24 → 75%

  9. 1.4.9

    Finding a Total Given a Part and a Percentage

    Divide the part by the percent as a decimal.

    e.g. 30 is 40% of ? → 30÷0.4=7530 \div 0.4 = 75

    whole=partp/100\displaystyle \text{whole} = \frac{\text{part}}{p/100}
  10. 1.4.10

    Applying Percentages in Succession

    Multiply the multipliers one after another. Never just add the percents.

    e.g. +10% then −10% → 1.1×0.9=0.991.1 \times 0.9 = 0.99 → 1% less than you started

    new=original×m1×m2\displaystyle \text{new} = \text{original} \times m_1 \times m_2

1.5 Percentage Change

original80after +25%100after −25%60× 1.25× 0.75divide by the same multiplier to go back
Percent change is a multiplier. Up 25% means × 1.25; down 25% means × 0.75. To find the original, divide.
  1. 1.5.1

    Applying Percentage Increases

    Multiply by one plus the percent.

    e.g. $80 up 25% → 80×1.25=10080 \times 1.25 = 100

    new=old×(1+p100)\displaystyle \text{new} = \text{old} \times \left(1 + \frac{p}{100}\right)
  2. 1.5.2

    Applying Percentage Decreases

    Multiply by one minus the percent.

    e.g. $80 down 25% → 80×0.75=6080 \times 0.75 = 60

    new=old×(1−p100)\displaystyle \text{new} = \text{old} \times \left(1 - \frac{p}{100}\right)
  3. 1.5.3

    Calculating Percentage Change

    Change divided by the original. Always divide by the old value.

    e.g. 50 → 65: 1550=30%\tfrac{15}{50} = 30\% increase

    % change=new−oldold×100%\displaystyle \%\text{ change} = \frac{\text{new} - \text{old}}{\text{old}} \times 100\%
  4. 1.5.4

    Finding Original Values From Percentage Increases

    Divide the new value by the multiplier.

    e.g. 60 after a 20% rise → 60÷1.2=5060 \div 1.2 = 50

    old=new1+p/100\displaystyle \text{old} = \frac{\text{new}}{1 + p/100}
  5. 1.5.5

    Finding Original Values From Percentage Decreases

    Divide the new value by the multiplier.

    e.g. 45 after a 25% drop → 45÷0.75=6045 \div 0.75 = 60

    old=new1−p/100\displaystyle \text{old} = \frac{\text{new}}{1 - p/100}

Unit 2 29 topics

The Number System

Negatives, fractions, and how whole numbers break into primes.

2.6 Addition and Subtraction of Rational Numbers

−6−5−4−3−2−101234562 + (−5) = −3−3 − (−4) = 1
Adding a negative moves left. Subtracting a negative moves right, the same as adding.
  1. 2.6.1

    Subtracting a Positive Number From a Smaller Positive Number

    The answer is negative. Find the gap, then make it negative.

    e.g. 3−8=−53 - 8 = -5

    a−b=−(b−a)when b>a\displaystyle a - b = -(b - a) \quad \text{when } b > a
  2. 2.6.2

    Subtracting a Positive Number From a Negative Number

    Move further left. Add the sizes, keep the negative sign.

    e.g. −4−6=−10-4 - 6 = -10

    −a−b=−(a+b)\displaystyle -a - b = -(a + b)
  3. 2.6.3

    Subtracting a Positive Fraction From a Smaller Fraction

    Get a common denominator, then subtract the same way.

    14−23=312−812=−512\displaystyle \frac{1}{4} - \frac{2}{3} = \frac{3}{12} - \frac{8}{12} = -\frac{5}{12}
  4. 2.6.4

    Subtracting a Positive Decimal From a Smaller Decimal

    Line up the decimal points, subtract larger minus smaller, attach the negative.

    1.2−3.75=−2.55\displaystyle 1.2 - 3.75 = -2.55
  5. 2.6.5

    Adding a Positive Number to a Negative Number

    Signs differ: subtract the sizes and keep the sign of the bigger size.

    −7+3=−4\displaystyle -7 + 3 = -4
    −2+9=7\displaystyle -2 + 9 = 7
  6. 2.6.6

    Adding a Negative Number

    Adding a negative is the same as subtracting.

    e.g. 5+(−8)=−35 + (-8) = -3

    a+(−b)=a−b\displaystyle a + (-b) = a - b
  7. 2.6.7

    Subtracting a Negative Number

    Subtracting a negative is the same as adding.

    e.g. −2−(−6)=4-2 - (-6) = 4

    a−(−b)=a+b\displaystyle a - (-b) = a + b
  8. 2.6.8

    Additive Inverses of Numbers

    A number and its opposite add to zero. They sit the same distance from 0 on opposite sides.

    a+(−a)=0\displaystyle a + (-a) = 0
  9. 2.6.9

    Interpreting Additive Opposites and Addition Using Absolute Value

    Absolute value is distance from zero, so it is never negative. a+ba + b lands ∣b∣\lvert b \rvert units from aa.

    ∣a∣=distance from 0\displaystyle \lvert a \rvert = \text{distance from } 0
    ∣−5∣=∣5∣=5\displaystyle \lvert -5 \rvert = \lvert 5 \rvert = 5
  10. 2.6.10

    Solving Problems Using Addition and Subtraction of Rational Numbers

    Model it on a number line: right or up is +, left or down is −. Temperatures, elevation, bank balances.

    e.g. 3°F falls 10° → 3−10=−73 - 10 = -7°F

2.7 Multiplication and Division of Rational Numbers

×+−+−+−−+Same signs → positiveDifferent signs → negativeWorks for × and ÷ alike.Count the negatives: even → +, odd → −
Sign rules for multiplying and dividing.
  1. 2.7.1

    Multiplying Positive Numbers With Negative Numbers

    Different signs give a negative.

    e.g. 4×(−3)=−124 \times (-3) = -12

    (+)(−)=(−)\displaystyle (+)(-) = (-)
  2. 2.7.2

    Multiplying Negative Numbers

    Same signs give a positive. An even count of negatives is positive; an odd count is negative.

    e.g. (−2)(−3)(−1)=−6(-2)(-3)(-1) = -6

    (−)(−)=(+)\displaystyle (-)(-) = (+)
  3. 2.7.3

    Dividing With Negative Numbers

    Same sign rules as multiplication.

    −124=−3\displaystyle \frac{-12}{4} = -3
    −12−4=3\displaystyle \frac{-12}{-4} = 3
  4. 2.7.4

    Equivalent Fractions With Negative Numbers

    One negative can sit in any of three places. Two negatives cancel.

    −ab=−ab=a−b\displaystyle -\frac{a}{b} = \frac{-a}{b} = \frac{a}{-b}
    −a−b=ab\displaystyle \frac{-a}{-b} = \frac{a}{b}
  5. 2.7.5

    Dividing With Negative Decimals and Fractions

    Settle the sign first, then divide the sizes. For fractions, multiply by the reciprocal.

    e.g. −34÷12=−34⋅2=−32-\tfrac34 \div \tfrac12 = -\tfrac34 \cdot 2 = -\tfrac32

  6. 2.7.6

    Reciprocals of Rational Numbers

    Flip the fraction. A number times its reciprocal is 1. The sign stays; zero has no reciprocal.

    e.g. reciprocal of −25-\tfrac25 is −52-\tfrac52

    ab⋅ba=1\displaystyle \frac{a}{b} \cdot \frac{b}{a} = 1
  7. 2.7.7

    Multiplying and Dividing With Zero

    Anything times zero is zero. Zero divided by a number is zero. Dividing by zero is undefined.

    a×0=0\displaystyle a \times 0 = 0
    0a=0\displaystyle \frac{0}{a} = 0
    a0 is undefined\displaystyle \frac{a}{0} \text{ is undefined}
  8. 2.7.8

    Fractions of Fractions

    “Of” means multiply. Multiply across.

    e.g. 23\tfrac23 of 34\tfrac34 =612=12= \tfrac{6}{12} = \tfrac12

    ab⋅cd=acbd\displaystyle \frac{a}{b} \cdot \frac{c}{d} = \frac{ac}{bd}
  9. 2.7.9

    Solving Problems Using Multiplication and Division of Rational Numbers

    Decide the operation, settle the sign, then compute.

    e.g. Drops 1.5 m per hour for 4 hours → −1.5×4=−6-1.5 \times 4 = -6 m

  10. 2.7.10

    Solving Problems Using the Four Operations on Rational Numbers

    Use order of operations and the sign rules together.

    e.g. −3+4×(−2)=−3−8=−11-3 + 4 \times (-2) = -3 - 8 = -11

2.8 Number Theory

Rational ℚIntegers ℤNatural ℕ1, 2, 3, 4, …0−4, −17½−0.750.333…
Each set sits inside the next. Every natural number is an integer; every integer is rational (5 = 5⁄1).
  1. 2.8.1

    Divisibility of Integers by 2, 5, 10, 4, and 8

    Check the last digits.

    2:last digit even5:ends in 0 or 510:ends in 04:last two digits divisible by 48:last three digits divisible by 8\displaystyle \begin{array}{ll} 2: & \text{last digit even} \\ 5: & \text{ends in 0 or 5} \\ 10: & \text{ends in 0} \\ 4: & \text{last two digits divisible by 4} \\ 8: & \text{last three digits divisible by 8} \end{array}
  2. 2.8.2

    Divisibility of Integers by 3, 9, 6, and 7

    Check the digit sum, or combine rules.

    e.g. 203: 20−2⋅3=1420 - 2\cdot3 = 14 → divisible by 7

    3:digit sum divisible by 39:digit sum divisible by 96:divisible by 2 and by 37:double last digit, subtract from rest; repeat\displaystyle \begin{array}{ll} 3: & \text{digit sum divisible by 3} \\ 9: & \text{digit sum divisible by 9} \\ 6: & \text{divisible by 2 and by 3} \\ 7: & \text{double last digit, subtract from rest; repeat} \end{array}
  3. 2.8.3

    Natural Numbers, Integers, and Rational Numbers

    Each set sits inside the next. Rational means it can be written as a fraction of integers.

    N⊂Z⊂Q\displaystyle \mathbb{N} \subset \mathbb{Z} \subset \mathbb{Q}
    rational=ab, a,b integers, b≠0\displaystyle \text{rational} = \frac{a}{b},\ a, b \text{ integers},\ b \ne 0
  4. 2.8.4

    Rational Numbers as Finite or Repeating Decimals

    Every rational number either ends or repeats. It ends when the simplified denominator has only 2s and 5s as prime factors.

    38=0.375\displaystyle \frac{3}{8} = 0.375
    13=0.3‾\displaystyle \frac{1}{3} = 0.\overline{3}
    211=0.18‾\displaystyle \frac{2}{11} = 0.\overline{18}
  5. 2.8.5

    Prime and Composite Numbers

    Prime: exactly two factors, 1 and itself. Composite: more than two. 1 is neither. 2 is the only even prime.

    e.g. Primes to 30: 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19, 23, 29

  6. 2.8.6

    Prime Factors

    Break a number down with a factor tree until every branch ends in a prime. Write repeats as powers.

    60=22⋅3⋅5\displaystyle 60 = 2^2 \cdot 3 \cdot 5
  7. 2.8.7

    The Fundamental Theorem of Arithmetic

    Every whole number greater than 1 has exactly one prime factorization, apart from the order of the factors.

    e.g. However you split 60, you always end at 2⋅2⋅3⋅52 \cdot 2 \cdot 3 \cdot 5

  8. 2.8.8

    Finding Greatest Common Factors Using Prime Factorization

    Take only the primes both share, each at its lowest power.

    12=22⋅3,18=2⋅32\displaystyle 12 = 2^2 \cdot 3,\quad 18 = 2 \cdot 3^2
    GCF=2⋅3=6\displaystyle \text{GCF} = 2 \cdot 3 = 6
  9. 2.8.9

    Finding Lowest Common Multiples Using Prime Factorization

    Take every prime that appears, each at its highest power.

    LCM(12,18)=22⋅32=36\displaystyle \text{LCM}(12, 18) = 2^2 \cdot 3^2 = 36
    GCF×LCM=a×b\displaystyle \text{GCF} \times \text{LCM} = a \times b

Unit 3 35 topics

Exponents & Radicals

Repeated multiplication, very big and very small numbers, and roots.

3.9 Exponents

  1. 3.9.1

    Squaring Rational Numbers

    Multiply the number by itself. A negative squared is positive.

    x2=x⋅x\displaystyle x^2 = x \cdot x
    (−23)2=49\displaystyle \left(-\tfrac{2}{3}\right)^2 = \tfrac{4}{9}
  2. 3.9.2

    Cubing Rational Numbers

    Three copies multiplied. A cube keeps the sign.

    x3=x⋅x⋅x\displaystyle x^3 = x \cdot x \cdot x
    (−2)3=−8\displaystyle (-2)^3 = -8
  3. 3.9.3

    Exponents With Rational Bases

    Raise the top and the bottom. Watch the parentheses: the exponent only touches what it is attached to.

    (ab)n=anbn\displaystyle \left(\frac{a}{b}\right)^n = \frac{a^n}{b^n}
    −32=−9(−3)2=9\displaystyle -3^2 = -9 \quad (-3)^2 = 9
  4. 3.9.4

    The Zeroth Power

    Any nonzero number to the zero power is 1.

    e.g. (−7)0=1(-7)^0 = 1

    a0=1(a≠0)\displaystyle a^0 = 1 \quad (a \ne 0)
  5. 3.9.5

    Powers of Negative One

    Even power gives 1, odd power gives −1.

    (−1)n={1n even−1n odd\displaystyle (-1)^n = \begin{cases} 1 & n \text{ even} \\ -1 & n \text{ odd} \end{cases}
  6. 3.9.6

    Negative Exponents

    A negative exponent means reciprocal. It does not make the number negative.

    e.g. 2−3=182^{-3} = \tfrac18

    a−n=1an\displaystyle a^{-n} = \frac{1}{a^n}
    (ab)−n=(ba)n\displaystyle \left(\frac{a}{b}\right)^{-n} = \left(\frac{b}{a}\right)^{n}

3.10 The Rules of Exponents

x³ · x²=xxxxx= x⁵Count the copies of x. Multiplying adds them: 3 + 2 = 5.Dividing cancels them: x⁵ ÷ x² leaves 3 copies, so x³.
Why the product rule works. Every exponent rule comes from counting copies.
  1. 3.10.1

    The Product Rule for Exponents

    Same base, multiplying: add the exponents.

    e.g. x3⋅x4=x7x^3 \cdot x^4 = x^7

    am⋅an=am+n\displaystyle a^m \cdot a^n = a^{m+n}
  2. 3.10.2

    The Quotient Rule for Exponents

    Same base, dividing: subtract the exponents.

    e.g. x7x2=x5\tfrac{x^7}{x^2} = x^5

    aman=am−n\displaystyle \frac{a^m}{a^n} = a^{m-n}
  3. 3.10.3

    The Power Rule for Exponents

    Power of a power: multiply the exponents.

    e.g. (x2)5=x10(x^2)^5 = x^{10}

    (am)n=amn\displaystyle (a^m)^n = a^{mn}
  4. 3.10.4

    The Power of Product Rule for Exponents

    The exponent goes to every factor inside.

    e.g. (2x)3=8x3(2x)^3 = 8x^3

    (ab)n=anbn\displaystyle (ab)^n = a^n b^n
  5. 3.10.5

    The Power of Quotient Rule for Exponents

    The exponent goes to the top and the bottom.

    (ab)n=anbn\displaystyle \left(\frac{a}{b}\right)^n = \frac{a^n}{b^n}
  6. 3.10.6

    Combining the Rules of Exponents

    Work inside parentheses, apply outside powers, combine like bases, finish with positive exponents.

    e.g. (x2)3⋅xx4=x7x4=x3\dfrac{(x^2)^3 \cdot x}{x^4} = \dfrac{x^7}{x^4} = x^3

3.11 Scientific Notation

4.5×104between 1 and 10places moved45,000decimal moves 4 leftbig → positive powertiny → negative power
Scientific notation: a number from 1 up to 10, times a power of ten that says how far the decimal moved.
  1. 3.11.1

    Writing Numbers in Scientific Notation

    A number from 1 up to (not including) 10, times a power of ten. Big numbers get positive powers; tiny numbers get negative powers.

    a×10n,1≤∣a∣<10\displaystyle a \times 10^n,\quad 1 \le \lvert a \rvert < 10
    45,000=4.5×104\displaystyle 45{,}000 = 4.5 \times 10^4
    0.0032=3.2×10−3\displaystyle 0.0032 = 3.2 \times 10^{-3}
  2. 3.11.2

    Converting Scientific Notation to Standard Notation

    Positive power: move the decimal right nn places. Negative power: move it left.

    e.g. 6.1×10−4=0.000616.1 \times 10^{-4} = 0.00061

  3. 3.11.3

    Comparing Numbers in Scientific Notation

    Compare the powers of ten first. Only if they match, compare the front numbers.

    e.g. 2×105>9×1042 \times 10^5 > 9 \times 10^4

  4. 3.11.4

    Addition and Subtraction in Scientific Notation

    With the same power, add or subtract the front numbers and keep the power.

    (a×10n)±(b×10n)=(a±b)×10n\displaystyle (a \times 10^n) \pm (b \times 10^n) = (a \pm b) \times 10^n
  5. 3.11.5

    Addition in Scientific Notation With Different Powers of Ten

    Rewrite one number so the powers match, add, then put it back in proper form.

    3×105+4×104\displaystyle 3 \times 10^5 + 4 \times 10^4
    =3×105+0.4×105=3.4×105\displaystyle = 3 \times 10^5 + 0.4 \times 10^5 = 3.4 \times 10^5
  6. 3.11.6

    Subtraction in Scientific Notation With Different Powers of Ten

    Match the powers first, then subtract.

    5×103−2×102\displaystyle 5 \times 10^3 - 2 \times 10^2
    =5×103−0.2×103=4.8×103\displaystyle = 5 \times 10^3 - 0.2 \times 10^3 = 4.8 \times 10^3
  7. 3.11.7

    Further Addition in Scientific Notation With Different Powers of Ten

    If the front number reaches 10 or more, shift the decimal and raise the power by one.

    12×104=1.2×105\displaystyle 12 \times 10^4 = 1.2 \times 10^5
  8. 3.11.8

    Multiplying Numbers in Scientific Notation

    Multiply the front numbers, add the powers, then fix the form.

    e.g. (3×104)(5×102)=15×106=1.5×107(3\times10^4)(5\times10^2) = 15\times10^6 = 1.5\times10^7

    (a×10m)(b×10n)=ab×10m+n\displaystyle (a \times 10^m)(b \times 10^n) = ab \times 10^{m+n}
  9. 3.11.9

    Dividing Numbers in Scientific Notation

    Divide the front numbers, subtract the powers.

    a×10mb×10n=ab×10m−n\displaystyle \frac{a \times 10^m}{b \times 10^n} = \frac{a}{b} \times 10^{m-n}

3.12 Order of Operations

PParenthesesinside firstEExponentsand rootsM DMultiply, divideleft to rightA SAdd, subtractleft to right
Order of operations. M and D share a step, as do A and S: whichever comes first, reading left to right, goes first.
  1. 3.12.1

    Evaluating Rational Number Expressions Without Exponents

    Parentheses first. Then multiply and divide left to right. Then add and subtract left to right.

    e.g. 8−6÷3×2=8−4=48 - 6 \div 3 \times 2 = 8 - 4 = 4

  2. 3.12.2

    Evaluating Expressions With Positive Integer Exponents

    PEMDAS: exponents come right after parentheses.

    e.g. 2+3⋅42=2+48=502 + 3 \cdot 4^2 = 2 + 48 = 50

    P→E→MD→AS\displaystyle \text{P} \to \text{E} \to \text{MD} \to \text{AS}
  3. 3.12.3

    Evaluating Expressions With Integer Exponents

    Handle negative exponents at the exponent step by turning them into reciprocals.

    e.g. 2+3⋅2−1=2+32=722 + 3 \cdot 2^{-1} = 2 + \tfrac32 = \tfrac72

3.13 Radicals

  1. 3.13.1

    The Square Root of a Perfect Square

     \sqrt{\ } asks “what nonnegative number squared gives this?” Know squares through 15² = 225.

    e.g. 49=7\sqrt{49} = 7, 916=34\sqrt{\tfrac{9}{16}} = \tfrac34

    a2=a(a≥0)\displaystyle \sqrt{a^2} = a \quad (a \ge 0)
  2. 3.13.2

    Squaring a Square Root

    Squaring undoes the square root.

    e.g. (7)2=7(\sqrt{7})^2 = 7

    (a)2=a(a≥0)\displaystyle \left(\sqrt{a}\right)^2 = a \quad (a \ge 0)
  3. 3.13.3

    The Cube Root of a Perfect Cube

    Asks “what cubed gives this?” Negatives are allowed and stay negative.

    a33=a\displaystyle \sqrt[3]{a^3} = a
    −273=−3\displaystyle \sqrt[3]{-27} = -3
  4. 3.13.4

    Surds

    A root that never comes out to a whole number or fraction, like 2\sqrt2. It is irrational, so leave it in exact form.

    e.g. 2,3,5\sqrt2, \sqrt3, \sqrt5 are surds; 9\sqrt9 is not

  5. 3.13.5

    Simplifying Expressions With Surds

    Pull out the largest perfect-square factor.

    72=36⋅2=62\displaystyle \sqrt{72} = \sqrt{36 \cdot 2} = 6\sqrt{2}
  6. 3.13.6

    Evaluating Numerical Expressions Containing Radicals

    A radical acts like parentheses: simplify everything under it first.

    e.g. 3+25−9=3+4=73 + \sqrt{25 - 9} = 3 + 4 = 7

  7. 3.13.7

    Adding and Subtracting Radicals

    Only like radicals (same number under the root) combine. Simplify each one first.

    32+52=82\displaystyle 3\sqrt{2} + 5\sqrt{2} = 8\sqrt{2}
    8+2=22+2=32\displaystyle \sqrt{8} + \sqrt{2} = 2\sqrt2 + \sqrt2 = 3\sqrt{2}
  8. 3.13.8

    Rationalizing Denominators

    Clear a root from the bottom by multiplying top and bottom by that root.

    e.g. 63=633=23\tfrac{6}{\sqrt3} = \tfrac{6\sqrt3}{3} = 2\sqrt3

    ab=abb\displaystyle \frac{a}{\sqrt{b}} = \frac{a\sqrt{b}}{b}

3.14 The Rules of Radicals

  1. 3.14.1

    Radicals as Fractional Exponents

    A root is a fractional power. The bottom of the fraction is the root.

    e.g. 82/3=(83)2=48^{2/3} = (\sqrt[3]{8})^2 = 4

    an=a1/n\displaystyle \sqrt[n]{a} = a^{1/n}
    amn=am/n\displaystyle \sqrt[n]{a^m} = a^{m/n}
  2. 3.14.2

    The Product Rule for Radicals

    The root of a product is the product of the roots.

    e.g. 312=36=6\sqrt{3}\sqrt{12} = \sqrt{36} = 6

    ab=a b(a,b≥0)\displaystyle \sqrt{ab} = \sqrt{a}\,\sqrt{b} \quad (a, b \ge 0)
  3. 3.14.3

    The Quotient Rule for Radicals

    The root of a quotient is the quotient of the roots.

    e.g. 254=52\sqrt{\tfrac{25}{4}} = \tfrac52

    ab=ab\displaystyle \sqrt{\frac{a}{b}} = \frac{\sqrt{a}}{\sqrt{b}}

Unit 4 17 topics

Algebraic Expressions

Letters standing in for numbers, and how to tidy them up.

4.15 Algebraic Expressions

−5x+8coefficientvariableconstanttermtermThe sign in frontbelongs to the term.
Parts of an expression.
  1. 4.15.1

    Introduction to Algebraic Expressions

    Numbers, variables, and operations with no equals sign. A variable stands for a number you don't know yet.

    3x+5\displaystyle 3x + 5
  2. 4.15.2

    Constructing Algebraic Expressions

    Translate the words. Sum +, difference −, product ×, quotient ÷. “Less than” and “more than” flip the order.

    e.g. “5 less than twice nn” → 2n−52n - 5

  3. 4.15.3

    Evaluating Linear Expressions

    Substitute the value in parentheses, then follow order of operations.

    3x−4, x=−2\displaystyle 3x - 4,\ x = -2
    3(−2)−4=−10\displaystyle 3(-2) - 4 = -10
  4. 4.15.4

    Evaluating Rational Expressions

    Work out the top and the bottom separately, then divide. The bottom can never be 0.

    e.g. x+4x−1\dfrac{x+4}{x-1} at x=3x=3 → 72\tfrac72

  5. 4.15.5

    Identifying Terms in Linear Expressions

    Terms are the pieces separated by + or −. The sign in front belongs to the term.

    e.g. 4x−7y+24x - 7y + 2 has terms 4x4x, −7y-7y, 22

  6. 4.15.6

    Identifying Coefficients and Constants

    The coefficient is the number multiplying a variable. The constant has no variable. A lone xx has coefficient 1.

    e.g. In −5x+8-5x + 8: coefficient −5-5, constant 88

  7. 4.15.7

    The Greatest Common Factor of Two Linear Expressions

    Factor each fully, then keep what they share.

    6x+9=3(2x+3)\displaystyle 6x + 9 = 3(2x + 3)
    12x+18=6(2x+3)\displaystyle 12x + 18 = 6(2x + 3)
    GCF=3(2x+3)\displaystyle \text{GCF} = 3(2x + 3)

4.16 Simplifying Linear Expressions

4x12x344(x + 3)= 4x + 12
Area model. The outside number multiplies every piece inside. Factoring reads the picture right to left.
  1. 4.16.1

    Identifying Like Terms in Linear Expressions

    Like terms have the same variable to the same power. Constants are like each other.

    e.g. 3x3x and −5x-5x: like. 3x3x and 3y3y: not.

  2. 4.16.2

    Collecting Like Terms in Linear Expressions

    Add the coefficients of like terms; the variable part stays.

    3x+5−x+2=2x+7\displaystyle 3x + 5 - x + 2 = 2x + 7
  3. 4.16.3

    Applying the Distributive Law With Linear Expressions

    Multiply the outside number by every term inside.

    e.g. 4(x+3)=4x+124(x + 3) = 4x + 12

    a(b+c)=ab+ac\displaystyle a(b + c) = ab + ac
  4. 4.16.4

    The Distributive Law With Three Terms

    Same rule, one more term.

    e.g. 2(x−y+5)=2x−2y+102(x - y + 5) = 2x - 2y + 10

    a(b+c+d)=ab+ac+ad\displaystyle a(b + c + d) = ab + ac + ad
  5. 4.16.5

    Distributing the Negative Sign in a Linear Expression

    A minus in front flips the sign of every term inside.

    −(a−b+c)=−a+b−c\displaystyle -(a - b + c) = -a + b - c
  6. 4.16.6

    Simplifying Linear Expressions Using the Distributive Law

    Distribute first, then collect like terms.

    2(x+3)+4x=6x+6\displaystyle 2(x + 3) + 4x = 6x + 6
  7. 4.16.7

    Simplifying Linear Expressions When a Group of Terms Is Subtracted

    Distribute the −1 (or −k) to every term in the group.

    5x−(2x−3)=5x−2x+3=3x+3\displaystyle 5x - (2x - 3) = 5x - 2x + 3 = 3x + 3
  8. 4.16.8

    Simplifying Linear Expressions Containing Fractions

    Distribute, then combine with a common denominator.

    12(4x−6)=2x−3\displaystyle \tfrac{1}{2}(4x - 6) = 2x - 3
    x2+x3=5x6\displaystyle \tfrac{x}{2} + \tfrac{x}{3} = \tfrac{5x}{6}
  9. 4.16.9

    Factoring Numerical Expressions

    Pull out the GCF. Factoring is distributing in reverse.

    12+18=6(2+3)\displaystyle 12 + 18 = 6(2 + 3)
  10. 4.16.10

    Factoring Linear Expressions

    Find the GCF of the terms and write it outside.

    ab+ac=a(b+c)\displaystyle ab + ac = a(b + c)
    8x−12=4(2x−3)\displaystyle 8x - 12 = 4(2x - 3)

Unit 5 29 topics

Equations & Inequalities

Finding the unknown, and graphing the lines equations make.

5.17 Solving One-Step Linear Equations

xx + 37=Take 3 fromboth sides:x = 4
An equation is a balance. Whatever you do to one side, do to the other.
  1. 5.17.1

    Solving Linear Equations by Trial and Error

    Guess a value, substitute, check whether both sides match, adjust the guess.

    e.g. 3x+1=133x + 1 = 13: try 4 → 1313 ✓

  2. 5.17.2

    Solving One-Step Addition and Subtraction Equations

    Do the opposite operation to both sides.

    x+a=b⇒x=b−a\displaystyle x + a = b \Rightarrow x = b - a
    x−a=b⇒x=b+a\displaystyle x - a = b \Rightarrow x = b + a
  3. 5.17.3

    Solving One-Step Multiplication and Division Equations

    Divide to undo multiplying, multiply to undo dividing.

    ax=b⇒x=ba\displaystyle ax = b \Rightarrow x = \frac{b}{a}
    xa=b⇒x=ab\displaystyle \frac{x}{a} = b \Rightarrow x = ab

5.18 Solving Multi-Step Linear Equations

  1. 5.18.1

    Solving Two-Step Equations

    Undo adding or subtracting first, then undo multiplying or dividing.

    e.g. 3x+4=19⇒3x=15⇒x=53x + 4 = 19 \Rightarrow 3x = 15 \Rightarrow x = 5

    ax+b=c⇒x=c−ba\displaystyle ax + b = c \Rightarrow x = \frac{c - b}{a}
  2. 5.18.2

    Solving Linear Equations With Fractional Coefficients

    Multiply both sides by the reciprocal of the coefficient.

    23x=8⇒x=8⋅32=12\displaystyle \tfrac{2}{3}x = 8 \Rightarrow x = 8 \cdot \tfrac{3}{2} = 12
  3. 5.18.3

    Solving Linear Equations With Decimal Coefficients

    Multiply both sides by 10, 100, … to clear the decimals, then solve.

    0.3x+1.2=3→×103x+12=30\displaystyle 0.3x + 1.2 = 3 \xrightarrow{\times 10} 3x + 12 = 30
  4. 5.18.4

    Solving Linear Equations With Variables on Both Sides

    Gather the variable terms on one side and the numbers on the other.

    5x+2=3x+10\displaystyle 5x + 2 = 3x + 10
    2x=8⇒x=4\displaystyle 2x = 8 \Rightarrow x = 4
  5. 5.18.5

    Solving Linear Equations by Clearing a Rational Expression

    Multiply every term by the LCD of all the denominators.

    x3+x4=7→×124x+3x=84\displaystyle \frac{x}{3} + \frac{x}{4} = 7 \xrightarrow{\times 12} 4x + 3x = 84
  6. 5.18.6

    Solving Linear Equations Using Cross-Multiplication

    When one fraction equals another, multiply diagonally.

    e.g. x4=96⇒6x=36⇒x=6\tfrac{x}{4} = \tfrac{9}{6} \Rightarrow 6x = 36 \Rightarrow x = 6

    ab=cd⇒ad=bc\displaystyle \frac{a}{b} = \frac{c}{d} \Rightarrow ad = bc
  7. 5.18.7

    Solving Two-Variable Equations

    Solve for one variable in terms of the other, or plug in a given value.

    2x+y=10⇒y=10−2x\displaystyle 2x + y = 10 \Rightarrow y = 10 - 2x
  8. 5.18.8

    Linear Equations With Infinitely Many Solutions

    The variables cancel and leave something always true. Every number works.

    2(x+1)=2x+2  →  2=2\displaystyle 2(x + 1) = 2x + 2 \;\to\; 2 = 2
  9. 5.18.9

    Linear Equations With No Solutions

    The variables cancel and leave something false. No number works.

    3x+1=3x+5  →  1=5\displaystyle 3x + 1 = 3x + 5 \;\to\; 1 = 5

5.19 Solving Linear Inequalities

−5−4−3−2−1012345x > 2open: 2 not included−5−4−3−2−1012345x ≤ −1closed: −1 included
Open circle for < and >. Closed circle for ≤ and ≥. Multiply or divide by a negative and the sign flips.
  1. 5.19.1

    Inequalities

    A statement that one side is bigger or smaller. Its solution is a range of numbers.

    <    >    ≤    ≥\displaystyle < \;\; > \;\; \le \;\; \ge
  2. 5.19.2

    Compound Inequalities

    “And” means both are true, so xx is between. “Or” means at least one is true.

    −2<x≤5\displaystyle -2 < x \le 5
    x<−1  or  x>4\displaystyle x < -1 \;\text{or}\; x > 4
  3. 5.19.3

    Verifying Solutions of Linear Inequalities

    Substitute the value and check whether the statement is true.

    e.g. Is 3 a solution of 2x−1>42x - 1 > 4? 5>45 > 4 ✓

  4. 5.19.4

    Solving One-Step Linear Inequalities

    Solve like an equation, with one rule: multiplying or dividing by a negative flips the sign.

    −3x<12⇒x>−4\displaystyle -3x < 12 \Rightarrow x > -4
  5. 5.19.5

    Solving Two-Step Inequalities

    Same order as a two-step equation. Watch for the flip.

    5−2x≥11⇒−2x≥6⇒x≤−3\displaystyle 5 - 2x \ge 11 \Rightarrow -2x \ge 6 \Rightarrow x \le -3
  6. 5.19.6

    Representing Solutions to Inequalities on Number Lines

    Open circle for < or >. Closed circle for ≤ or ≥. Shade toward the solutions.

  7. 5.19.7

    Further Solving Linear Inequalities

    Distribute, collect, move variables to one side; flip if you divide by a negative.

    3(x−2)>5x+4\displaystyle 3(x - 2) > 5x + 4
    −2x>10⇒x<−5\displaystyle -2x > 10 \Rightarrow x < -5

5.20 Graphs of Linear Equations

xyrun 4rise 2b = 1y = ½x + 1slope m = rise ÷ run= 2 ÷ 4 = ½intercept b: where theline crosses the y-axism > 0 rises, m < 0 fallsm = 0 is flat
Slope-intercept form. Start at b on the y-axis, then step by the slope: up the rise, over the run.
  1. 5.20.1

    The Cartesian Coordinate System

    A point is (x,y)(x, y): across first, then up. Four quadrants, numbered counterclockwise from upper right.

    e.g. Quadrant I: (+,+)(+,+), II: (−,+)(-,+), III: (−,−)(-,-), IV: (+,−)(+,-)

    (x,y)\displaystyle (x, y)
  2. 5.20.2

    Distances Between Points in the Coordinate Plane

    Points that share an xx or a yy: subtract the other coordinates and take the absolute value.

    e.g. (3,−2)(3, -2) to (3,5)(3, 5) → 77

    same x:∣y2−y1∣\displaystyle \text{same } x: \lvert y_2 - y_1 \rvert
    same y:∣x2−x1∣\displaystyle \text{same } y: \lvert x_2 - x_1 \rvert
  3. 5.20.3

    Two-Variable Linear Equations and Their Solutions

    A solution is an (x,y)(x, y) pair that makes the equation true. All solutions together form a line.

    e.g. (1,8)(1, 8) solves y=2x+6y = 2x + 6

  4. 5.20.4

    Graphing Linear Equations

    Pick two or three xx values, find each yy, plot the points, draw the line through them.

  5. 5.20.5

    Horizontal and Vertical Lines

    y=by = b is horizontal with slope 0. x=ax = a is vertical with undefined slope.

    y=b\displaystyle y = b
    x=a\displaystyle x = a
  6. 5.20.6

    Calculating Slopes of Straight Lines

    Slope is rise over run between any two points.

    e.g. (1,2)(1, 2) to (4,8)(4, 8) → m=63=2m = \tfrac63 = 2

    m=y2−y1x2−x1=riserun\displaystyle m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} = \frac{\text{rise}}{\text{run}}
  7. 5.20.7

    Equations of Lines in Slope-Intercept Form

    mm is the slope; bb is where the line crosses the yy-axis.

    y=mx+b\displaystyle y = mx + b
  8. 5.20.8

    Properties of Lines Given in Slope-Intercept Form

    Positive mm rises, negative mm falls, bigger ∣m∣\lvert m \rvert is steeper. Parallel lines have equal slopes.

    e.g. y=3x−1y = 3x - 1 and y=3x+4y = 3x + 4 are parallel

5.21 Systems of Equations

One solutionlines crossNo solutionparallelInfinitely manysame line
A system’s solution is where the lines meet. Two lines can meet once, never, or everywhere.
  1. 5.21.1

    Introduction to Systems of Linear Equations

    Two equations sharing variables. The solution is where the lines cross: one point, none (parallel), or infinitely many (same line).

  2. 5.21.2

    Solving Systems of Equations by Substitution

    Solve one equation for a variable, substitute into the other, solve, then plug back in.

    y=2x,x+y=9\displaystyle y = 2x,\quad x + y = 9
    x+2x=9⇒x=3, y=6\displaystyle x + 2x = 9 \Rightarrow x = 3,\ y = 6

Unit 6 48 topics

Geometry

Points, lines, angles, shapes, and the space they cover.

6.22 Introduction to Geometry

ABLineno endsABRayone endABSegmenttwo ends
Line, ray, segment. The arrowheads say which way it keeps going.
  1. 6.22.1

    Units of Area and Volume

    Area is in square units, volume in cubic units. To convert, square or cube the length conversion.

    1 ft2=122=144 in2\displaystyle 1\text{ ft}^2 = 12^2 = 144\text{ in}^2
    1 yd3=33=27 ft3\displaystyle 1\text{ yd}^3 = 3^3 = 27\text{ ft}^3
  2. 6.22.2

    Points, Lines, Rays, and Segments

    A line runs forever both ways. A ray starts at a point and runs one way. A segment has two endpoints.

    AB↔AB→AB‾\displaystyle \overleftrightarrow{AB} \qquad \overrightarrow{AB} \qquad \overline{AB}
  3. 6.22.3

    Parallel and Perpendicular Lines

    Parallel lines never meet. Perpendicular lines meet at a right angle.

    ℓ∥mℓ⊥m\displaystyle \ell \parallel m \qquad \ell \perp m
  4. 6.22.4

    Measures of Segments

    ABAB with no bar means the length of AB‾\overline{AB}, a number.

    AB=length of AB‾\displaystyle AB = \text{length of } \overline{AB}
  5. 6.22.5

    Congruent Segments

    Same length. Marked with matching tick marks.

    AB‾≅CD‾  ⟺  AB=CD\displaystyle \overline{AB} \cong \overline{CD} \iff AB = CD
  6. 6.22.6

    Midpoints

    The point that splits a segment into two equal halves.

    AM=MB=12AB\displaystyle AM = MB = \tfrac{1}{2}AB
  7. 6.22.7

    Collinear Points

    Points that all lie on one line. Any two points are always collinear.

  8. 6.22.8

    The Segment Addition Postulate

    If BB is on the segment between AA and CC, the pieces add to the whole.

    e.g. AB=4AB = 4, BC=7BC = 7 → AC=11AC = 11

    AB+BC=AC\displaystyle AB + BC = AC

6.23 Angles

Acute< 90°Right= 90°Obtuse90°–180°Straight= 180°Reflex> 180°
Angle types by size. A full turn is 360°; a null angle is 0°.
  1. 6.23.1

    Angles and Measures of Angles

    Two rays from one point (the vertex). Measured in degrees. The vertex goes in the middle of the name.

    m∠ABC\displaystyle m\angle ABC
  2. 6.23.2

    Connecting Angles and Circles

    A full turn is 360°. A degree is 1360\tfrac{1}{360} of a full turn.

    e.g. Quarter turn =90∘= 90^\circ

    full turn=360∘\displaystyle \text{full turn} = 360^\circ
  3. 6.23.3

    Measuring Angles Using a Protractor

    Center on the vertex, line up 0 with one ray, read the scale that starts at 0 on that ray.

  4. 6.23.4

    Sums of Angles

    Angles side by side add up.

    m∠ABD=m∠ABC+m∠CBD\displaystyle m\angle ABD = m\angle ABC + m\angle CBD
  5. 6.23.5

    Right, Straight, Full, and Null Angles

    Right 90°, straight 180°, full 360°, null 0°.

    0∘90∘180∘360∘\displaystyle 0^\circ \quad 90^\circ \quad 180^\circ \quad 360^\circ
  6. 6.23.6

    Acute, Obtuse, and Reflex Angles

    Acute is less than 90°. Obtuse is between 90° and 180°. Reflex is between 180° and 360°.

  7. 6.23.7

    Congruent Angles

    Same measure. Marked with matching arcs.

    ∠A≅∠B  ⟺  m∠A=m∠B\displaystyle \angle A \cong \angle B \iff m\angle A = m\angle B
  8. 6.23.8

    Vertical Angles

    When two lines cross, the opposite angles are equal.

  9. 6.23.9

    Solving Problems With Angles

    Write an equation from a known relationship (sum, equal, straight line), then solve.

    e.g. 2x+40=180⇒x=702x + 40 = 180 \Rightarrow x = 70

6.24 Advanced Angles

12345678With parallel lines:Corresponding angles: equal1 & 5, 2 & 6, 3 & 7, 4 & 8Alternate angles: equal3 & 6, 4 & 5 (inside); 1 & 8, 2 & 7Consecutive angles: sum to 180°3 & 5, 4 & 6Vertical angles: equal1 & 4, 2 & 3, 5 & 8, 6 & 7
Parallel lines cut by a transversal. Highlighted: 3 and 5, a consecutive pair that adds to 180°.
  1. 6.24.1

    Complementary Angles

    Two angles that add to 90°.

    α+β=90∘\displaystyle \alpha + \beta = 90^\circ
  2. 6.24.2

    Non-Adjacent Complementary Angles

    They still add to 90° even when they are not side by side.

  3. 6.24.3

    Supplementary Angles

    Two angles that add to 180°. Side by side on a line, they form a linear pair.

    α+β=180∘\displaystyle \alpha + \beta = 180^\circ
  4. 6.24.4

    Corresponding Angles

    Same position at each crossing of the transversal. Equal when the lines are parallel.

  5. 6.24.5

    Alternate Angles

    On opposite sides of the transversal, both inside (or both outside) the lines. Equal when the lines are parallel.

  6. 6.24.6

    Consecutive Angles

    Same side of the transversal, both inside the lines. Supplementary when the lines are parallel.

    α+β=180∘\displaystyle \alpha + \beta = 180^\circ
  7. 6.24.7

    Angle Criteria for Parallel Lines

    Run it backward: equal corresponding angles, equal alternate angles, or supplementary consecutive angles prove the lines are parallel.

  8. 6.24.8

    Angle Bisectors

    A ray that splits an angle into two equal angles.

    e.g. Bisect 70° → two 35° angles

  9. 6.24.9

    Segment Bisectors and the Perpendicular Bisector Theorem

    A segment bisector passes through the midpoint. Any point on the perpendicular bisector is the same distance from both endpoints.

    PA=PB\displaystyle PA = PB

6.25 Triangles

abcda + b + c = 180°d = a + bexterior angle equals thetwo far inside angles
The two triangle angle facts.
  1. 6.25.1

    Interior Angles of Triangles

    The three inside angles always add to 180°.

    a+b+c=180∘\displaystyle a + b + c = 180^\circ
  2. 6.25.2

    Exterior Angles of Triangles

    An outside angle equals the two inside angles not touching it.

    d=a+b\displaystyle d = a + b
  3. 6.25.3

    Problem Solving With Angles of Triangles

    Combine the 180° sum, the exterior angle rule, and straight-line facts.

  4. 6.25.4

    Classifying Triangles

    By sides: equilateral (3 equal), isosceles (2 equal), scalene (none). By angles: acute, right, obtuse.

  5. 6.25.5

    The Triangle Inequality

    Any two sides together are longer than the third.

    e.g. 3, 4, 8 fails: 3+4<83 + 4 < 8

    a+b>c\displaystyle a + b > c
  6. 6.25.6

    The Isosceles Triangle Theorem

    Two equal sides means the two base angles are equal, and the reverse is true too.

  7. 6.25.7

    Heights of Triangles

    A height runs from a vertex perpendicular to the line holding the opposite side. In an obtuse triangle it can land outside.

6.26 Polygons

  1. 6.26.1

    Polygons

    A closed shape made of straight sides. Named by side count: 3 triangle, 4 quadrilateral, 5 pentagon, 6 hexagon, 8 octagon, 10 decagon.

  2. 6.26.2

    Interior Angles of Polygons

    Split into n−2n - 2 triangles from one vertex.

    e.g. Hexagon: 4×180=720∘4 \times 180 = 720^\circ

    sum=(n−2)×180∘\displaystyle \text{sum} = (n - 2) \times 180^\circ
  3. 6.26.3

    Exterior Angles of Polygons

    One at each vertex, and they always add to 360°, whatever the number of sides.

    sum=360∘\displaystyle \text{sum} = 360^\circ
  4. 6.26.4

    Congruent Polygons

    Same shape and size: every matching side and angle is equal. List vertices in matching order.

  5. 6.26.5

    Regular Polygons

    All sides equal and all angles equal.

    e.g. Regular octagon: 135∘135^\circ inside

    each interior=(n−2)×180∘n\displaystyle \text{each interior} = \frac{(n - 2) \times 180^\circ}{n}
    each exterior=360∘n\displaystyle \text{each exterior} = \frac{360^\circ}{n}
  6. 6.26.6

    The Perimeter of a Polygon

    Add up the sides. For a regular polygon, multiply.

    P=n⋅s(regular)\displaystyle P = n \cdot s \quad \text{(regular)}

6.27 Quadrilaterals

QuadrilateralParallelogramTrapezoidRectangleRhombusSquareone pair ofparallel sides
Quadrilateral family tree. Each shape has every property of the shapes above it: a square is a rectangle and a rhombus.
  1. 6.27.1

    Classifying Quadrilaterals

    A parallelogram has two pairs of parallel sides. A rectangle adds right angles, a rhombus adds equal sides, and a square has both. A trapezoid has one pair of parallel sides.

  2. 6.27.2

    Properties of Rectangles and Squares

    Opposite sides equal and parallel, four right angles, equal diagonals that cut each other in half. A square’s diagonals also meet at right angles.

  3. 6.27.3

    Properties of Trapezoids

    The parallel sides are the bases; the others are legs. An isosceles trapezoid has equal legs, equal base angles, and equal diagonals.

6.28 Area and Perimeter

lwA = lwbhA = bhbhA = ½bhb1b2hA = ½(b1 + b2)h
Height is always measured straight up from the base, at a right angle. Never use the slanted side.
  1. 6.28.1

    Areas of Rectangles and Squares

    Length times width.

    A=lw\displaystyle A = lw
    A=s2\displaystyle A = s^2
  2. 6.28.2

    Areas of Parallelograms

    Base times the perpendicular height, not the slanted side.

    A=bh\displaystyle A = bh
  3. 6.28.3

    Areas of Triangles

    Half of a parallelogram.

    A=12bh\displaystyle A = \tfrac{1}{2}bh
  4. 6.28.4

    Areas of Trapezoids

    Average the two bases, times the height.

    A=12(b1+b2)h\displaystyle A = \tfrac{1}{2}(b_1 + b_2)h
  5. 6.28.5

    Areas and Perimeters of Composite Shapes

    Split into simple shapes and add the areas. For perimeter, count only the outside edges.

  6. 6.28.6

    The Area Between Two Shapes

    Big area minus small area.

    A=Aouter−Ainner\displaystyle A = A_{\text{outer}} - A_{\text{inner}}

Unit 7 22 topics

Statistics

Summarizing a pile of numbers with a few that tell the story.

7.29 Summarizing Data

  1. 7.29.1

    Introduction to Statistics

    Statistics is collecting, summarizing, and interpreting data. A statistical question expects answers that vary.

    e.g. “How tall are 8th graders?” is statistical; “How tall is Sam?” is not

  2. 7.29.2

    The Mean of a Data Set

    Add the values, divide by how many there are.

    e.g. {2,4,9}\{2, 4, 9\} → 153=5\tfrac{15}{3} = 5

    xˉ=∑xn\displaystyle \bar{x} = \frac{\sum x}{n}
  3. 7.29.3

    The Median of a Data Set

    Sort, then take the middle value. With an even count, average the middle two.

    e.g. {1,3,4,8}\{1, 3, 4, 8\} → 3+42=3.5\tfrac{3+4}{2} = 3.5

  4. 7.29.4

    The Mode of a Data Set

    The value that shows up most. There can be several, or none.

    e.g. {2,3,3,7}\{2, 3, 3, 7\} → mode 3

  5. 7.29.5

    Range, Quartiles, and IQR

    Range is max − min. Q1 is the median of the lower half, Q3 of the upper half. IQR is the middle 50%.

    Range=max⁡−min⁡\displaystyle \text{Range} = \max - \min
    IQR=Q3−Q1\displaystyle \text{IQR} = Q_3 - Q_1
  6. 7.29.6

    Mean Absolute Deviation

    The average distance of each value from the mean.

    e.g. {2,4,9}\{2, 4, 9\}, mean 5 → 3+1+43=83\tfrac{3+1+4}{3} = \tfrac83

    MAD=∑∣x−xˉ∣n\displaystyle \text{MAD} = \frac{\sum \lvert x - \bar{x} \rvert}{n}
  7. 7.29.7

    Comparing Data Sets Using Measures of Centrality

    Compare means or medians to say which set is typically higher. Use medians when there are outliers.

  8. 7.29.8

    Comparing Data Sets Using Range and Quartiles

    A larger range or IQR means the data is more spread out. IQR ignores extremes; range doesn't.

  9. 7.29.9

    Comparing Data Set Visualizations Using Standard Deviation and MAD

    The plot whose values sit farther from the center has the larger SD and MAD.

  10. 7.29.10

    Comparing Data Sets Using Standard Deviation and MAD

    Both measure typical distance from the mean; bigger means more spread. SD squares the distances, so it reacts more to far-off values.

    σ=∑(x−xˉ)2n\displaystyle \sigma = \sqrt{\frac{\sum (x - \bar{x})^2}{n}}
  11. 7.29.11

    Outliers

    A value far from the rest. The usual test is the 1.5 × IQR fence.

    below Q1−1.5⋅IQR\displaystyle \text{below } Q_1 - 1.5 \cdot \text{IQR}
    above Q3+1.5⋅IQR\displaystyle \text{above } Q_3 + 1.5 \cdot \text{IQR}
  12. 7.29.12

    Removing Outliers

    Dropping an outlier moves the mean, range, and SD a lot; the median and IQR barely move.

7.30 Representing Data

02468101214161820minQ₁medianQ₃maxIQR = Q₃ − Q₁ = 7 (middle 50%)range = max − min = 16
Box plot. Each of the four pieces (whisker, half-box, half-box, whisker) holds about a quarter of the data.
  1. 7.30.1

    Frequency Tables

    Each value (or interval) with a count of how often it occurs. The counts add up to nn.

  2. 7.30.2

    Dot Plots

    One dot per data point, stacked above a number line.

  3. 7.30.3

    Measuring Centrality From Dot Plots

    Count the dots to get nn. The tallest stack is the mode; count in from either end to find the median.

  4. 7.30.4

    Measuring Range and MAD From Dot Plots

    Range is the distance between the outermost dots. For MAD, find each dot’s distance from the mean.

  5. 7.30.5

    Measuring Quartiles and IQR From Dot Plots

    Find the median dot, then the middle of each half.

  6. 7.30.6

    Symmetry, Skew, and Outliers

    Symmetric: mean ≈ median. Skewed right (long tail right): mean > median. Skewed left: mean < median.

  7. 7.30.7

    Box Plots

    Draw the five-number summary. The box spans Q1 to Q3 with a line at the median; whiskers reach min and max.

    min⁡, Q1, median, Q3, max⁡\displaystyle \min,\ Q_1,\ \text{median},\ Q_3,\ \max
  8. 7.30.8

    Histograms

    Bars over equal-width intervals (bins). Height is the count. Bars touch because the intervals are continuous.

  9. 7.30.9

    Comparing Measures of Center

    Symmetric with no outliers: use the mean. Skewed or with outliers: use the median.

  10. 7.30.10

    Comparing Measures of Spread

    Symmetric: use SD or MAD (they pair with the mean). Skewed: use IQR (it pairs with the median).

No topic matches that search. Try a single word, like “area” or “exponent.”

Topic numbers match the course outline, so a topic here lines up with the same number in the lesson list.