4.8 Algebraic Vocabulary

Front

What is an equation?

Back

An equation is a mathematical statement that asserts the equality of two expressions, typically containing one or more variables. Example: 4x = 9.

Front

How many terms are in the equation 6 + 4.7 - 9y = 3y + 1?

Back

The equation has 5 terms: 6, 4.7, -9y, 3y, and 1.

Front

What are terms in an algebraic expression?

Back

Terms are the individual parts of an expression separated by plus or minus signs. Example: In 2x + 3y + 5x = 75, the terms are 2x, 3y, and 5x.

Front

What is a variable?

Back

A variable is a symbol, often a letter, used to represent an unknown number in mathematical expressions or equations.

Front

Is 5W an expression?

Back

Yes, 5W is an expression because it represents a quantity that can be calculated.

Front

What is a coefficient?

Back

A coefficient is a numerical factor in a term of an algebraic expression. Example: In 4x, 4 is the coefficient.

Front

What is a constant in an equation?

Back

A constant is a fixed value that does not change. Example: In the equation 2x + 3 = 7, 3 and 7 are constants.

Front

What is the difference between an expression and an equation?

Back

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

Front

What does it mean to solve an equation?

Back

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

Front

What is a linear equation?

Back

A linear equation is an equation of the first degree, meaning it has no exponents greater than one. Example: 2x + 3 = 7.