Variable Expressions - Math BE

Front

What is a coefficient in a variable expression?

Back

A coefficient is a numerical factor that multiplies a variable in an expression. For example, in the expression 5x, 5 is the coefficient.

Front

What is a constant in a variable expression?

Back

A constant is a fixed value that does not change. In the expression 3x + 4, 4 is the constant.

Front

What is the order of operations in mathematics?

Back

The order of operations is a set of rules that determines the sequence in which calculations are performed. The common acronym is PEMDAS: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (from left to right), Addition and Subtraction (from left to right).

Front

What does it mean to simplify an expression?

Back

To simplify an expression means to combine like terms and reduce it to its simplest form. For example, 2x + 3x simplifies to 5x.

Front

What is a variable in a mathematical expression?

Back

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

Front

What is the result of adding a number and its opposite?

Back

The result of adding a number and its opposite is zero. For example, 5 + (-5) = 0.

Front

What is the result of multiplying a number by zero?

Back

The result of multiplying any number by zero is zero. For example, 7 * 0 = 0.

Front

What does it mean to evaluate an expression?

Back

To evaluate an expression means to calculate its value by substituting the variables with specific numbers. For example, to evaluate 2x + 3 when x = 4, substitute 4 for x: 2(4) + 3 = 8 + 3 = 11.

Front

What is a like term in algebra?

Back

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 4y are not.

Front

What is the distributive property?

Back

The distributive property states that a(b + c) = ab + ac. It allows you to multiply a single term by two or more terms inside a set of parentheses.