Vocabulary Words for Algebraic Expressions

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Expression

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A combination of numbers, variables, and operations (like addition, subtraction) that represents a value.

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Variable

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A letter or symbol that stands for a number that is not yet known or can change.

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Coefficient

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A numerical factor that multiplies a variable in an expression. For example, in 3x, the number 3 is the coefficient.

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Constant

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A fixed value that does not change. For example, in the expression 2x + 5, the number 5 is a constant.

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Term

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A single part of an expression, which can be a number, a variable, or a combination of both. For example, in 4x + 2y + 7, there are three terms: 4x, 2y, and 7.

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Combine Like Terms

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The process of simplifying an expression by adding or subtracting terms that have the same variable raised to the same power.

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Equation

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A mathematical statement that shows two expressions are equal, often using the equal sign (=).

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Inequality

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A mathematical statement that compares two expressions, indicating that one is less than, greater than, or not equal to the other.

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Polynomial

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An expression that consists of variables raised to whole number powers and their coefficients, combined using addition, subtraction, or multiplication.

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Evaluate

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To find the value of an expression by substituting numbers for variables and performing the operations.