Reading the notation

A small set of symbols and rearrangement moves carries every part of this paper — get them precise, since a mixed-up sign is the fastest way to lose a method mark.

📖 Symbols used in algebraic methods

5 terms

Cover the right column and check you can say what each one means.

a, b, c: The coefficients of a quadratic ax² + bx + c = 0, read off in order before substituting into the formula.
Discriminant: b² − 4ac — tells you how many real roots a quadratic has, without solving it.
Index laws: The rules for combining powers: aᵐ × aⁿ = aᵐ⁺ⁿ, aᵐ/aⁿ = aᵐ⁻ⁿ, (aᵐ)ⁿ = aᵐⁿ, a⁰ = 1, a⁻ⁿ = 1/aⁿ.
Log laws: log(ab) = log a + log b, log(a/b) = log a − log b, log(aⁿ) = n log a — used to solve for an exponent you cannot match by base.
Subject of a formula: The variable isolated alone on one side of an equation, everything else rearranged to the other side.

Practice for this standard covers the whole topic — flashcards and quiz.