Algebraic Expressions Vocabulary

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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. For example, 3x + 5 is an algebraic expression.

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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 multiplied together. For example, in 5x + 3y - 15 + x, the terms are 5x, 3y, -15, and x.

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

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

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What is a variable in algebra?

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

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What is a coefficient?

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

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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. For example, 2x + 3x simplifies to 5x.

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What is the difference between an expression and an equation?

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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.

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What is the purpose of parentheses in algebraic expressions?

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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.

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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. For example, evaluating 3x + 2 when x = 2 gives 3(2) + 2 = 8.

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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 4x + 7, 7 is the constant.