Basic Expressions Review

An expression is a mathematical statement with numbers, variables, and at least one operation. **It does not include the equal sign. (That would make it an equation)** Can be simplified, but not solved without being told what the variable is. 2x + 4x - 5 Expression: 2x + 4x - 5 = 13 Equation: Can be fully solved.

A variable is a symbol that represents an unknown value. Generally, we use lower case letters to represent a variable. But ANY symbol can be used as a variable. 2x is the same as 2 * X is the most commonly used variable. Y is the next most common. But ANY letter or symbol can be used to represent an unknown value.

The pieces of the algebraic expression that are separated by addition or subtraction signs are called terms. In an expression, your different terms are either: 3x + 7 The coefficient. The variable. The constant. Any factor multiplied with a variable is the coefficient. **The "co-" is a clue because it means together** Any number without a variable is the constant. **It is off by itself so it is "constantly lonely"**

9y - 4 - 11y + 7 6n - 7n - 4 + n 3x + 2 - 10 - 3x 3x - 5 + 2x - x Term(s): Coefficient(s): Constant(s): Term(s): Coefficient(s): Constant(s): 3x + 2 - 10 - 3x 3x - 5 + 2x - x Term(s): Coefficient(s): Constant(s): Term(s): Coefficient(s): Constant(s):

Combining "Like" Terms 3x + 4x - 5y 3x + 2x - 5x² Like terms are terms that contain the same variable, as well as the same exponent. 3x + 4x - 5y 3x + 2x - 5x² ex.

COMBINE LIKE TERMS 2x - 5 + 3x 4x + 5y - 3x 2x - 3x² + 4x³

3x + 4y + 5x 3x + 4x + (-7x) + 2x²

Combining Like Terms and Designating Parts of Expressions worksheet HW: Combining Like Terms and Designating Parts of Expressions worksheet