Algebra

Algebra is a part of mathematics that uses letters or symbols to represent changing or unknown values.

Variable Variable a letter used to represent a value that can change or vary in 4x – 1, the letter x is a variable Identify the variable: 2x 3y -2x2 6a

Constant Constant a value that does not change represented by a number Examples: 4 9 -3 Give three other examples of a constant

Numerical Coefficient The number in front of the variable. If no number is visible it is assumed to be 1. Examples: 5x has a numerical coefficient of 5 -3y has a numerical coefficient of -3 z has a numerical coefficient of 1. What is the numerical coefficient of: 2y -63f w -t

Expression Expression Numbers and variables, combined by + or - signs Examples: 2x + 3 two terms x - y + z three terms x – y two terms How many terms are in the following? 3x + 7 4x – 5t + 2 6d – 7x2 + 3

Equation Equation A mathematical statement that says that two quantities are equal Has an equal sign Examples: 2x + 3 = 7 6 + 2 = 8 5x – 1 = 1

Putting it all together 4x + 7 = 11 Expression or equation? Numerical coefficient constant variable

Putting it all together x – 6y Expression or equation? Numerical coefficient variable

Putting it all together 8x - 9 Expression or equation? Numerical coefficient constant variable