Algebra Vocabulary

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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, separated by addition or subtraction. For example, in the expression 5x + 3y - 15 + x, there are four terms: 5x, 3y, -15, and x.

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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. For example, in the term 5x, 5 is the coefficient.

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What is a variable?

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A variable is a symbol, often a letter, that represents an unknown value in an algebraic expression or equation. For example, in the expression 2x + 3, x is the variable.

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What is a constant?

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A constant is a fixed value that does not change. In the expression 5x + 3, the number 3 is a constant.

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What is an equation?

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An equation is a mathematical statement that asserts the equality of two expressions, typically containing an equal sign (=). For example, 6x + 2 = 10 is an equation.

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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, variables, and operators without an equal sign, while an equation includes an equal sign and states that two expressions are equal.

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

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To identify the number of terms in an expression, count the number of distinct parts separated by addition or subtraction. For example, in 5x + 3y - 15 + x, there are four terms.

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What is the purpose of an equal sign in an equation?

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The equal sign (=) indicates that the values on both sides of the equation are the same. It is essential for forming equations.

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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, 3x and 5x are like terms, while 3x and 3y are not.

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What is the process of solving an equation?

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Solving an equation involves finding the value of the variable that makes the equation true. This often includes isolating the variable on one side of the equation.