Expression
An algebraic expression is a set of numbers, variables, and operations (like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) combined together to represent a value.
The most important thing to remember is that it does not contain an equals sign or an inequality sign.
Examples of expressions
3x + 5 2a^2 - 4b + 7 \frac{1}{2}mv^2 + 3
Non-examples of expressions
x = 5 (this is an equation, not an expression)y > 10 (this is an inequality, not an expression)4 \times (this is incomplete and not a valid expression)
Terms
A term is a single number or variable, or numbers and variables multiplied together. They’re separated by addition or subtraction signs.
For example, in the expression
3x^2 5y -7
Coefficients
A coefficient is the *constant& part of a term that multiplies a variable.
For example, in the term
Constants
A constant is a term that does not contain any variables. It is simply a fixed number.
For example, in the expression
Example problems
Apples weigh a mass of a and bananas weigh a mass of b . Write an expression for the total mass of 3 apples and 4 bananas.
- The mass of 3 apples is
3\cdot a=3a . - The mass of 4 bananas is
4\cdot b=4b . 3a + 4b represents the total mass of 3 apples and 4 bananas.
flashcards
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is an algebraic expression? | A set of numbers, [[cs/variables |
| What does an algebraic expression NOT contain? | An equals sign ( |
| Why is “ | It is an equation because it contains an equals sign. |
| Why is “ | It is an inequality because it contains an inequality sign. |
| Define a “term” in an expression. | A single number or variable, or numbers and variables multiplied together, separated by addition or subtraction signs. |
| How many terms are in | 3 terms; |
| What is a “coefficient”? | The constant part of a term that multiplies a variable. |
| In the term | |
| What is a “constant” term? | A term that does not contain any variables; a fixed number. |
| In the expression | |
| Apples weigh |