Algebraic Vocabulary

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What is a variable in algebra?

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A variable is a symbol, often a letter, that represents a number that can change or vary.

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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 an algebraic expression?

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An algebraic expression is a combination of numbers, variables, and operations (like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division).

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What is a constant in algebra?

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

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What is an algebraic equation?

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An algebraic equation is a statement that two expressions are equal, often containing one or more variables. For example, 2x + 3 = 7 is an algebraic equation.

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What does it mean to solve an equation?

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To solve an equation means to find the value(s) of the variable(s) that make the equation true.

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What is the degree of a polynomial?

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The degree of a polynomial is the highest power of the variable in the expression. For example, in 4x^3 + 2x^2 + 5, the degree is 3.

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What is a term in algebra?

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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.

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What is the difference between an expression and an equation?

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

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What is a like term?

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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.