Algebraic Expressions Vocabulary

Front

What is an algebraic expression?

Back

An algebraic expression is a mathematical phrase that can include numbers, variables, and operation symbols. For example, 3x + 5 is an algebraic expression.

Tags

CCSS.6.EE.A.2B

Front

What is a term in an algebraic expression?

Back

A term is a single mathematical expression that can be a number, a variable, or a combination of both multiplied together. For example, in 5x + 3y - 15 + x, the terms are 5x, 3y, -15, and x.

Tags

CCSS.6.EE.A.2B

Front

How do you identify the number of terms in an expression?

Back

Count each distinct part of the expression separated by + or - signs. For example, in 5x + 3y - 15 + x, there are 4 terms.

Tags

CCSS.6.EE.A.2B

Front

What is a variable in algebra?

Back

A variable is a letter that represents an unknown number. For example, in the expression 3x + 5, 'x' is the variable.

Tags

CCSS.6.EE.A.2B

Front

What is a coefficient?

Back

A coefficient is a number that is multiplied by a variable in an algebraic expression. For example, in 5x, 5 is the coefficient.

Tags

CCSS.6.EE.A.2B

Front

What does it mean to simplify an expression?

Back

To simplify an expression means to combine like terms and reduce it to its simplest form. For example, 2x + 3x simplifies to 5x.

Tags

CCSS.7.EE.A.1

Front

What is the difference between an expression and an equation?

Back

An expression is a combination of numbers and variables without an equality sign, while an equation states that two expressions are equal, using an equality sign.

Front

What is the purpose of parentheses in algebraic expressions?

Back

Parentheses are used to indicate which operations should be performed first in an expression. For example, in (2 + 3)x, you calculate 2 + 3 first.

Tags

CCSS.6.EE.A.2C

Front

What does it mean to evaluate an expression?

Back

To evaluate an expression means to calculate its value by substituting the variables with specific numbers. For example, evaluating 3x + 2 when x = 2 gives 3(2) + 2 = 8.

Tags

CCSS.6.EE.A.2C

Front

What is a constant in an algebraic expression?

Back

A constant is a fixed value that does not change. For example, in the expression 4x + 7, 7 is the constant.

Tags

CCSS.6.EE.A.2B