Algebra Vocabulary

Front

What is a coefficient?

Back

A coefficient is a number that is multiplied by a variable in an algebraic expression. For example, in 3x, 3 is the coefficient.

Tags

CCSS.6.EE.A.2B

Front

What is a term in an algebraic expression?

Back

A term is each part of an algebraic expression that is separated by a plus or minus sign. For example, in 5x + 3y - 2, there are three terms: 5x, 3y, and -2.

Tags

CCSS.6.EE.A.2B

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 9 + 3w, 9 is the constant.

Tags

CCSS.6.EE.A.2B

Front

What is a variable in algebra?

Back

A variable is a symbol, usually a letter, that represents an unknown value. For example, in the expression 5x + 7, x is the variable.

Tags

CCSS.6.EE.A.2B

Front

What is an equation?

Back

An equation is a mathematical statement that shows that two expressions are equal, often containing an equal sign. For example, y + 2 = 10 is an equation.

Tags

CCSS.6.EE.A.2C

Front

What is an expression in algebra?

Back

An expression is a combination of numbers, variables, and operators (like + and -) that represents a value but does not have an equal sign. For example, 4x + 5 is an expression.

Tags

CCSS.6.EE.A.2B

Front

What does it mean to solve an equation?

Back

To solve an equation means to find the value of the variable that makes the equation true.

Tags

CCSS.7.EE.B.4A

Front

What is the difference between an expression and an equation?

Back

An expression does not have an equal sign, while an equation does. For example, 3x + 2 is an expression, but 3x + 2 = 5 is an equation.

Front

What is a linear equation?

Back

A linear equation is an equation that makes a straight line when graphed. It has the form y = mx + b, where m is the slope and b is the y-intercept.

Tags

CCSS.8.F.B.4

CCSS.HSF.LE.A.2

Front

What is the purpose of using parentheses in algebra?

Back

Parentheses are used to indicate which operations should be performed first in an expression. For example, in (2 + 3) × 4, you add 2 and 3 first.

Tags

CCSS.6.EE.A.2C