algebraic

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   relating to algebra or expressed by means of algebra

   The students converted the geometric condition into an algebraic equation.

2. 2
   adj

   consisting of numbers, variables, and arithmetic operations rather than transcendental functions

   She simplified the algebraic expression before substituting a value for x.

3. 3
   adj

   of a number, satisfying a polynomial equation with rational coefficients

   Every rational number is algebraic, but pi is transcendental.

Partly formed from algebra + -ic and partly borrowed from French algébraïque. Algebra entered Medieval Latin from Arabic al-jabr, 'restoration' or 'reunion,' in the title of al-Khwarizmi's influential treatise on calculation. The adjective extends the noun to methods, expressions, structures, and numbers.

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