EFOMM key terms

A polynomial function of degree two, written f(x) = ax² + bx + c with a ≠ 0, whose graph is a parabola. Its vertex, roots and sign behavior are frequent exam topics.

The quantity Δ = b² − 4ac in a quadratic equation. Its sign tells how many real roots exist: positive gives two, zero gives one, negative gives none.

The turning point of a parabola, located at x = −b/(2a) for f(x) = ax² + bx + c. It represents the maximum or minimum value of the function.

A sequence in which each term after the first is obtained by adding a fixed constant called the common difference. Its general term is aₙ = a₁ + (n−1)d.

A sequence where each term after the first equals the previous term multiplied by a fixed ratio q. Its general term is aₙ = a₁·q^(n−1), and it can model growth or decay.

The exponent to which a base must be raised to produce a given number: log_b(a) = x means b^x = a. Used to solve exponential equations and model scales.

A function of the form f(x) = a^x with a positive base different from one. It grows or decays rapidly and appears in population, radioactive and interest problems.

The study of sine, cosine and tangent ratios between sides of a right triangle. These ratios relate an acute angle to side lengths and support distance and height calculations.

A relation stating that in any triangle the square of one side equals the sum of the squares of the other two minus twice their product times the cosine of the included angle.

The numerical measure of how likely an event is, computed as favorable outcomes divided by total equally likely outcomes. Values range from zero to one.

The branch of mathematics that counts arrangements and selections, using permutations, combinations and the multiplication principle. It often supplies the denominator or numerator in probability problems.

The study of geometric figures using coordinates. It covers distance between points, line equations, slopes and conic sections, connecting algebra with plane geometry.

The values of the unknown that make an equation true. Finding them may require factoring, the quadratic formula or numerical methods depending on the equation type.

One of three principles describing motion: inertia, the relation F = ma between net force and acceleration, and action-reaction pairs between interacting bodies.

A resistance force opposing relative motion or its tendency between surfaces in contact. Its magnitude depends on the normal force and the coefficient of friction.

Work is the transfer of energy by a force acting through a displacement. The work-energy theorem links net work to changes in kinetic energy.

A principle stating that total energy in a closed system remains constant, though it may change form. It lets one equate potential and kinetic energy in many problems.

Impulse is force multiplied by the time it acts; momentum is mass times velocity. The impulse-momentum theorem states that impulse equals the change in momentum.

The study of fluids at rest, including pressure, density and buoyancy. Key results are Stevin's law, Pascal's principle and Archimedes' buoyant force.

Force applied perpendicularly per unit area, measured in pascals. In fluids it increases with depth and is transmitted equally in all directions when applied to a confined liquid.

The study of heat, work and internal energy in physical systems. It includes the laws governing energy conservation and the direction of spontaneous processes.

The amount of heat needed to raise one unit of mass of a substance by one degree. It appears in the equation Q = mcΔT for sensible heat.

The study of electric charges at rest and the forces between them, described by Coulomb's law. It also covers electric field and potential.

A closed path through which electric current flows, containing sources and components such as resistors. Ohm's law and series-parallel rules are used to analyze it.

Disturbances that transfer energy through space or a medium without transporting matter. They are described by amplitude, wavelength, frequency and speed.

The study of light propagation using rays, covering reflection, refraction and lenses. It explains image formation by mirrors and explains phenomena like apparent depth.

The calculation of quantitative relationships between reactants and products in a balanced chemical equation, using moles, mass and volume proportions.

The amount of substance containing 6.02 × 10²³ elementary entities. It connects the microscopic particle count to measurable macroscopic mass.

The mass of one mole of a substance, expressed in grams per mole. It is numerically equal to the atomic or molecular mass and converts mass to moles.

The process of adjusting coefficients so that the number of atoms of each element is equal on both sides of a chemical equation, respecting conservation of mass.

A solution is a homogeneous mixture of solute and solvent. Concentration expresses how much solute is present per unit volume or mass of solution.

Substances classified by their behavior in water: acids donate protons or release hydrogen ions, bases accept protons or release hydroxide ions. Their reaction is neutralization.

A logarithmic scale from zero to fourteen measuring hydrogen ion concentration in a solution. Values below seven are acidic, seven is neutral and above seven is basic.

A reaction in which one species loses electrons (oxidation) while another gains them (reduction). Oxidation numbers change, and the processes always occur together.

The roles language plays in communication, such as referential, emotive, conative, phatic, metalinguistic and poetic. Identifying the dominant function helps interpret a text's purpose.

Expressive devices that deviate from literal language, such as metaphor, metonymy, hyperbole and irony. They create meaning effects and are commonly tested in interpretation questions.

Socially recognized text types with typical structure and purpose, such as news reports, editorials, letters and advertisements. Recognizing the genre guides reading expectations.

A Brazilian literary movement beginning with the 1922 Modern Art Week, valuing national identity, free verse and experimental language. Its phases span from iconoclasm to social and regional concerns.

The relationship between texts through quotation, allusion, parody or pastiche. Recognizing it helps explain how meaning is built by dialogue with earlier works.

Cohesion is the linking of text parts through connectors and references; coherence is the overall logical unity of meaning. Both are essential for clear writing and text analysis.

Skimming means reading quickly for the general idea; scanning means searching for specific information such as numbers or names. Both are common strategies in reading comprehension tests.

Drawing a conclusion not stated directly, based on evidence in the text and on the reader's reasoning. Inference questions ask what the author implies rather than states.

Cognates are words similar in form and meaning across languages; false friends look alike but differ in meaning, such as 'actually' meaning 'in fact' rather than 'currently'.

The thesis is the central claim defended in an essay; argumentation is the set of reasons and evidence supporting it. Together they structure persuasive writing.

The standard organization of an argumentative essay: introduction presenting the thesis, development with arguments and conclusion. Each part must connect logically to the next.

A concrete solution to a problem discussed in an essay, identifying an agent, an action, a means and a purpose. It is commonly required in Brazilian essay exams.

The variety of a language that follows the standard grammar and usage taught in schools and expected in formal writing. It contrasts with informal and colloquial varieties.

The study of how geography, resources and power shape relations between states. It includes alliances, conflicts, trade blocs and strategic regions.

The growing interconnection of economies, cultures and information across borders, driven by trade, technology and transport. It creates both integration and inequality.

The capacity to meet present needs without compromising resources for future generations. It balances environmental, social and economic dimensions in policy and development debates.

Institutions formed by states to coordinate policies, such as the United Nations, WTO and Mercosur. Their roles and effectiveness are frequent current-affairs topics.