The Language of Algebra

The Language of Algebra

Objective: To identify variables and constants in expressions and equations.

​Constant: a fixed value, a number on its own, whose value does not change.

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A constant may either be positive or negative.

​Vocabulary

​Example: 4x + 2

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​Example: -7x - 14

​(2 is the constant)

​(-14 is the constant)

​Variable: any letter or symbol that represents a changeable or unknown value.

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​Vocabulary

​Example: 4x + 2

​x is the variable

​Coefficient: the number multiplied by the variable. It is located in front of the variable.

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A coefficient may either be positive or negative.

​Vocabulary

​Example: 4x + 2

​

​​Example: -8x + 3

​(4 is the coefficient)

​(-8 is the coefficient)

​Coefficient: **special note**

​

​If there is no visible coefficient, then 1 is the coefficient.

​Vocabulary

​Example: x + 7

​-x + 7

​-1x + 7

​1x + 7

​same thing

​same thing

​Term: a number (like 5)

a variable (like y)

the product of a number and variable (like 3x)

the product of a number and variables (like 8xy)

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​Terms are separated by + or  -

​Vocabulary

​Example: 6x + 7

​

first term

second term

​Vocabulary

​Equation: two expressions balanced with an equal sign. 

​Vocabulary

expression 1 = expression 2

Multiple Select

Which of the following are algebraic expressions?

• 4x - 9

• $$14\left(35\div2\right)$$  

• 8x - 9 = 12

• $$16-\frac{1}{4}x$$  

• $$9x-\frac{1}{4}=\frac{x}{200}$$