Algebraic Expressions

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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 coefficient?

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A coefficient is a numerical factor in a term of an algebraic expression. For example, in the term 4x, 4 is the coefficient.

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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 2x + 3, the number 3 is a constant.

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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 a variable?

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

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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 operations without an equality sign, while an equation states that two expressions are equal, using an equality sign.

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How do you evaluate an algebraic expression?

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To evaluate an algebraic expression, substitute the values of the variables into the expression and perform the operations. For example, to evaluate 2x + 3 when x = 2, substitute 2 for x: 2(2) + 3 = 7.

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What is the distributive property?

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The distributive property states that a(b + c) = ab + ac. It allows you to multiply a single term by each term in a parenthesis.

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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 3x + 4y - 5, there are three terms: 3x, 4y, and -5.

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What does it mean to combine like terms?

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Combining like terms means to add or subtract terms that have the same variable raised to the same power. For example, 2x + 3x = 5x.