FLASHCARD: Algebraic Expressions

Front

What is an algebraic expression?

Back

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

Front

What does the term 'variable' mean in algebra?

Back

A variable is a symbol (usually a letter) that represents an unknown value in an expression or equation. For example, in the expression 2x + 3, 'x' is the variable.

Front

What is a coefficient in an algebraic expression?

Back

A coefficient is a numerical factor that multiplies a variable. In the expression 4x, 4 is the coefficient.

Front

How do you simplify the expression 2x + 3x?

Back

You combine like terms to simplify it: 2x + 3x = 5x.

Front

What is the value of the expression 3x + 2 when x = 4?

Back

Substituting x with 4 gives: 3(4) + 2 = 12 + 2 = 14.

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.

Front

What is the difference between an expression and an equation?

Back

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

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 each term inside a parenthesis.

Front

How do you solve the equation 2x + 3 = 11?

Back

Subtract 3 from both sides: 2x = 8. Then divide by 2: x = 4.

Front

What are like terms?

Back

Like terms are terms that have the same variable raised to the same power. For example, 3x and 5x are like terms.