Identifying Parts of Algebraic Expressions

What is an algebraic expression?

What are the parts of an algebraic expression called?

What are symbols called that represent one or more numbers?

What is the numerical factor of a term that contains a variable called?

What are the terms called without a variable?

Identify the terms, coefficients, and constants in the expression: 12 + 10c.

Identify the terms, coefficients, and constants in the expression: 15 + 3w + 1/2.

Identify the terms, coefficients, and constants in the expression: z² + 9w - 2.

Algebraic Expressions

An algebraic expression comprises numbers, operations, and one or more symbols.
Example: 3 + 2x + 7y is an algebraic expression.

Parts of an Algebraic Expression

Individual components of an expression are called terms.
Terms are distinguished by addition (+) or subtraction (−) signs.
Example: In 3 + 2x + 7y, the terms are 3, 2x, and 7y.

Variables

Symbols that represent one or more numbers within an expression are called variables.
Examples of variables include x and y in the expression 3 + 2x + 7y.

Coefficients

The numerical factor associated with a variable in a term is called a coefficient.
Example: In the expression 3 + 2x + 7y, the coefficients are 2 (for 2x) and 7 (for 7y).

Constants

Terms without any variables are referred to as constants.
Example: In the expression 3 + 2x + 7y, the constant is 3.

Example Breakdown

For the expression 12 + 10c:
- Terms: 12, 10c
- Coefficient: 10
- Constant: 12
For the expression 15 + 3w + 1/2:
- Terms: 15, 3w, 1/2
- Coefficient: 3
- Constants: 15, 1/2
For the expression z² + 9w - 2:
- Terms: z², 9w, 2
- Coefficients: 9 (and 1 implicit before z²)
- Constant: 2

This flashcard quiz helps you learn about algebraic expressions and their components. You will explore definitions and examples of terms and symbols in algebra. Test your knowledge and understanding of the structure of algebraic expressions.