Review of Introductory Mathematics
TERMINOLOGY
Divided by
A mathematical process that subjects a number to the operation of finding out how many
times it contains another number. It is given the symbol ÷ or /.
Greater than or equal to
It is given the symbol >, and denotes one quantity is equal to or larger than another.
Less than or equal to
It is given the symbol <, and denotes one quantity is equal to or smaller than another.
Infinity
A mathematical expression meaning very large in magnitude or distance. It is so large
that it cannot be measured. It is given the symbol .
Is Proportional to
The statement that a is proportionl to b (a a b) means that a = (some constant) x b. For
example, the dollars you earn in a week (straight rate) are proportional to the hours you
work, with the constant being the dollars per hour you earn.
Approximately Equal to
An expression indicating a value which is not exact, but rather close to the value. It is
given the symbol .
Perpendicular to
This expression means that two objects are at right angles (form a 90-degree angle) to
each other. It is given the symbol
.
^
Parallel to
Two lines extending in the same direction which are everywhere equidistant and not
meeting. It is given the symbol .
Summary
The important information from this chapter is summarized below.
Terminology Summary
This chapter reviewed the terminology needed in the application
and study of mathematics.
Rev. 0
Page 3
MA-01