Scientists Say: Boolean

algebra: A field of mathematics that describes a way to think about certain relationships that will involve numbers. And not just any particular number, usually, but abstract expressions involving numbers. For instance, instead of saying “1 + 2 = 3” or “3 – 1 = 2,” algebra gives each number a letter to take its place. So it now reads something like a “a + b = c” or “c – a = b.” But any number can substitute for those letters as long as the values on each side of the equal sign are still true. In other words, “a” can be 100 and “b” can be 101 — as long as “c” = 201. Such expressions with different things on either side of an equals sign are known as algebraic equations.

computer science: The scientific study of the principles and use of computers. Scientists who work in this field are known as computer scientists.

equation: In mathematics, the statement that two quantities are equal. In geometry, equations are often used to determine the shape of a curve or surface.

scenario: A possible (or likely) sequence of events and how they might play out.

system: A network of parts that together work to achieve some function. For instance, the blood, vessels and heart are primary components of the human body’s circulatory system. Similarly, trains, platforms, tracks, roadway signals and overpasses are among the potential components of a nation’s railway system. System can even be applied to the processes or ideas that are part of some method or ordered set of procedures for getting a task done.

transistor: A device that can act like a switch for electrical signals.