Algebraic Expressions Vocabulary

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What is a base in an algebraic expression?

Back

The base is the number or variable that is raised to a power. For example, in 4², 4 is the base.

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What is a constant in an algebraic expression?

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A constant is a fixed value that does not change. For example, in the expression 4(x-2) - 12, -12 is the constant.

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What is a coefficient in an algebraic expression?

Back

A coefficient is a numerical factor that multiplies a variable. For example, in 2x, 2 is the coefficient.

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What is a variable in an algebraic expression?

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A variable is a symbol (usually a letter) that represents an unknown value. For example, in 2x, x is the variable.

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What is a power in an algebraic expression?

Back

A power indicates how many times to multiply the base by itself. For example, in 4², 2 is the power.

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What is an exponent?

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An exponent is a number that shows how many times the base is used as a factor. For example, in 3³, 3 is the base and 3 is the exponent.

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What is a numeric expression?

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A numeric expression is an expression that contains only numbers and operations, such as 100 - 12² + 5.

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What is an algebraic expression?

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An algebraic expression is a combination of numbers, variables, and operations. For example, 2x + 3 is an algebraic expression.

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What does it mean to simplify an expression?

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To simplify an expression means to combine like terms and reduce it to its simplest form.

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What are like terms?

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Like terms are terms that have the same variable raised to the same power. For example, 2x and 3x are like terms.