Algebraic Expressions Vocabulary

Front

What is an algebraic expression?

Back

An algebraic expression is a mathematical phrase that includes numbers, variables, and operations (like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division). For example, 2x + 3 is an algebraic expression.

Front

What is a term in an algebraic expression?

Back

A term is a single mathematical expression that can be a number, a variable, or a combination of both multiplied together. For example, in the expression 4x + 2, there are two terms: 4x and 2.

Front

How do you identify the number of terms in an expression?

Back

Count the number of distinct parts separated by '+' or '-' signs. For example, in 4x + 2 - 7, there are three terms: 4x, 2, and -7.

Front

What is a coefficient?

Back

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

Front

What is a variable?

Back

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

Front

What is a constant?

Back

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

Front

What is a power in algebra?

Back

A power indicates how many times a number (the base) is multiplied by itself. For example, in 2^3, 2 is the base and 3 is the power, meaning 2 is multiplied by itself three times (2 * 2 * 2).

Front

What is an exponent?

Back

An exponent is a number that shows how many times to use the base in a multiplication. For example, in 4^2, 4 is the base and 2 is the exponent, meaning 4 is multiplied by itself (4 * 4).

Front

What is an equation?

Back

An equation is a mathematical statement that asserts the equality of two expressions, typically containing an equal sign '='. For example, 2x + 3 = 7 is an equation.

Front

What is the difference between an expression and an equation?

Back

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