Topic 4 Vocabulary Practice

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What is an algebraic expression?

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An algebraic expression is a mathematical phrase that can include numbers, variables, and operation symbols (e.g., +, -, *, /). Example: 4x + 7.

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What is a coefficient?

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A coefficient is a numerical factor in a term of an algebraic expression. Example: In 5x, 5 is the coefficient.

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What is a constant in an expression?

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A constant is a fixed value that does not change. Example: In the expression 3x + 4, 4 is the constant.

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What does it mean to simplify an expression?

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To simplify an expression means to reduce it to its most basic form by combining like terms and eliminating unnecessary parts.

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What is a term in an algebraic expression?

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A term is a single mathematical expression that can be a number, a variable, or a combination of both. Example: In 3x + 4y - 5, the terms are 3x, 4y, and -5.

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What is a variable?

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A variable is a letter or symbol that represents an unknown number. Example: In the expression x + 2, x is the variable.

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What is the difference between an equation and an expression?

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An equation states that two expressions are equal, while an expression is a combination of numbers and variables without an equality sign. Example: 2x + 3 = 7 is an equation; 2x + 3 is an expression.

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What does it mean to evaluate an expression?

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To evaluate an expression means to calculate its value by substituting the variables with specific numbers. Example: Evaluate 2x + 3 for x = 2: 2(2) + 3 = 7.

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What is a like term?

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Like terms are terms that have the same variable raised to the same power. Example: 3x and 5x are like terms; 3x and 4y are not.

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What is the distributive property?

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The distributive property states that a(b + c) = ab + ac. It allows you to multiply a single term by two or more terms inside a parenthesis.