Applied Math
Glossary


common cause variation
Inherent but random fluctuations in a process output.

control chart
Graphic tool used in Statistical Process Control to display process data along with established limits for variation in a process including the central tendency or target, upper control limit (UCL), and lower control limit (LCL).

denominator
In a fraction, the number on the bottom.

difference
The result when values are subtracted.

exponent
Indicates that the base value should be multiplied times itself for each value of the exponent.  A negative exponent indicates the fraction of 1 over the base times itself for each value in the exponent.

lower control limit
The minimum variation in process data that is statistically likely to occur if a process is in control.

numerator
In a fraction, the number on the top.

process variable
Anything in a process that is measured.

product
The result when values are multiplied.

quotient
The result when values are divided.

root
The divisor that times itself by the value of the root will equal the number.

scientific notation
A method of writing numbers in terms of a decimal number between 1 and 10 multiplied by a power of 10.  Scientific notation is useful for expressing very small and very large values.

set point
A target value for a process variable.

significant digits
The number of digits required for the specified degree of accuracy or precision.  Leading and trailing zeros are not considered in determining significant figures except where the trailing zeros are after the decimal.

Statistical Process Control
A quality control process that uses data from sampling, customer and manufacturing specifications and analytical data to track the quality of a product during production.  SPC uses tools such as control charts to track data and determine if a process is producing predictable results.

sum
The result when values are added.

upper control limit
The maximum variation in process data that is statisti