Glossary - Uu vv

Unit Fraction

A unit fraction is a fraction with a numerator of 1. Example: 1/3 or 1/12.

Unit of Capacity

A unit used to measure the amount that can be contained in an object (usually liquid); customary units include cup, pint, quart, and gallon; metric units include litre, kilolitre, and millilitre.

Unit Price

The unit price is the price of one item or one unit. Example: Meat is $1.12 per kilo.

Unlike Denominators

Two or more fractions with unequal denominators (e.g., 6/17 and 3/7).

Unlikely

In probability, an event that has a very small chance of occurring.

Valid

Based on proper procedures, a valid approach will lead to the correct solution of a problem.

Value of a Digit

A value is how much a digit is worth according to its place in a number.

Variable

A placeholder in algebraic expressions; for example, in 3x + y = 23, x and y are variables. Those variables can take on any one set of values. It can be a letter or symbol.

Variance

The value of the standard deviation squared.

Vector

Quantity that has magnitude (length) and direction. It may be represented as a directed line segment.

Venn diagram

A drawing showing relationships among sets. The diagram often shows two or more intersecting circles.

Verbal Expression

A phrase stating a relationship; can be translated into a mathematical/algebraic expression (e.g., twice a number can be represented as 2n).

Verbal Form

A mathematical expression or relationship using words rather than symbols.

Verify

To ascertain or confirm that a mathematical property, concept, or statementis true.

Vertex

A vertex is the point at which two line segments, lines, or rays meet to form an angle. It could be a common endpoint of two sides of a polygon, the endpoint of two rays that form an angle, or where two or more edges of a three-dimensional solid meet.

Vertical

Vertical describes a direction that is straight up and down. It is perpendicular to the horizon.

Vertical Angles

The pair of angles that are directly across from each other when two straight lines intersect. They are always non-adjacent angles.

Vertical Line

A line that has right angles to the horizon. A vertical line is straight up and down.

Vertical Line Test

A test use to determine if a relation is a function; a relation is a function if there are no vertical lines that intersect the graph at more than one point.

Vertices

The plural of the term vertex.

Visual

Any graphic representation such as a chart, picture, diagram, graph, etc.

Volume

The number of cubic units it takes to fill an object. Metric units of volume are often litres.