Algebra Expressions

An algebraic expression is a mathematical phrase that can include numbers, variables, and operation symbols. For example, 3x + 5 is an algebraic expression.

To simplify an expression means to combine like terms and reduce it to its simplest form.

Like terms are terms that have the same variable raised to the same power. For example, 2x and 3x are like terms.

To combine like terms, add or subtract their coefficients while keeping the variable part the same. For example, 2x + 3x = 5x.

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 parenthesis.

A coefficient is a numerical factor that multiplies a variable. For example, in 4x, 4 is the coefficient.

To evaluate an expression means to calculate its value by substituting the variables with given numbers.

A variable is a symbol, usually a letter, that represents an unknown value. For example, x and y are common variables.

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

To solve for a variable, isolate the variable on one side of the equation using inverse operations.