algebraic

Relating to mathematics that uses letters and symbols to represent numbers and work out unknown values.

• We solved an algebraic equation.
• Write an algebraic expression for the total.
• She used algebraic methods to find the answer.

Common phrases: algebraic equation, algebraic expression, algebraic methods

Written using only numbers, letters, and signs for basic number operations.

• Write an algebraic expression for the total.
• We simplified the algebraic formula.
• Can you solve these algebraic equations?

Common phrases: algebraic expression, algebraic formula, algebraic equation

Describing a number that solves a polynomial equation whose fixed numbers can all be written as fractions.

• The square root of two is algebraic.
• Every rational number is algebraic.
• They proved that this complex number was algebraic.

Opposites: transcendental

Common phrases: algebraic number, algebraic root

Describing a mathematical structure whose every member solves a polynomial equation with fixed numbers that are fractions.

• This field is algebraic over the rational numbers.
• Every element of this algebraic field satisfies a suitable polynomial equation.
• We studied an algebraic extension of the rational numbers.

Common phrases: algebraic field, algebraic extension