|
Scientific notation: A short-hand way of writing very large
or very small numbers. The notation consists of a decimal number
between 1 and 10 multiplied by an integral power of 10. For example,
47,300 = 4.73 x 104 ; 0.000000021 = 2.1 x 10-8.
Similarity: The relationship between two objects that have
exactly the same shape but not necessarily the same size.
Simulation: Carrying out extensive data collection with
a simple, safe, inexpensive, easy-to-duplicate event that has
essentially the same characteristics as another event which is
of actual interest to an investigator. For example, suppose one
wanted to gather data about the actual order of birth of boys
and girls in families with five children. (e.g., BBGBG is one
possibility) Rather than wait for five children to be born to
a single family, or identifying families that already have five
children, one could simulate births by repeatedly tossing a coin
five times. Heads vs. tails has about the same chance of happening
as a boy vs. a girl being born.
Summary statistics: A single number representation of the
characteristics of a set of data. Usually given by measures of
central tendency and measures of dispersion (spread).
Symmetry: A figure has symmetry if it has parts that correspond
with each other in terms of size, form, and arrangement. For example,
a figure with line (or mirror) symmetry has two halves which match
each other perfectly if the figure is folded along its line of
symmetry.
Variable: A quantity that may assume any one of a set of
values. Usually represented in algebraic notation by the use of
a letter. In the equation
|
Affiliate