# FSM Test Glossary

Absolute value and factorising terms as the Grade 10 FSM notes use them. The printable version is [glossary.html](glossary.html).

## Absolute value

**Absolute value**:
The distance of a number from zero, so never negative; written |x|.
_Avoid_: modulus

**Restriction**:
A condition an answer must satisfy (e.g. RHS ≥ 0); answers that break it are rejected.

**Salient point**:
The corner (p; q) of the graph of y = a|x − p| + q.
_Avoid_: vertex, turning point

## Factorising

**Common factor (HCF)**: The largest number, letter or bracket found in every term.
**Difference of squares**: A² − B² = (A − B)(A + B).
**Trinomial**: A three-term quadratic ax² + bx + c.
**Grouping**: Splitting four terms into groups that share a common factor or bracket.
**Sum/difference of cubes**: A³ ± B³ = (A ± B)(A² ∓ AB + B²).
**Factor theorem**: If f(d/a) = 0, then (ax − d) is a factor.
**Synthetic division**: The short method for dividing a polynomial by (x − k).