Algebra basics
You are familiar with the following type of numerical expressions: 12 + 6 3 (12) 6 (3 + 2) 15 - 4 (6)
Algebraic Expressions When variables are used with other numbers, brackets, or operations, they create an algebraic expression. a + 2 (a) (b) 3m + 6n - 6 4m2n + 7mn - 6
What is a variable? A variable is an alphabet that represents an unknown value. 12 + b Few more examples: Expression Constants Variable Algebraic expressions Variable 13mn-7 mn 2x2-4x+9 x2,x 12k2x-3k-8 k2x, k
What are constants? 5x +7y -2 A constant is a number that cannot change its value. Expression 5x +7y -2 5, 7 , -2 are the Constants Few more examples: Algebraic expressions Constants Variable 13mn-7 mn 13 , - 7 2x2-4x + 9 2,-4 , 9 x2,x 12k2x-3k-8 12 , -3, -8 k2x , k
What is a term? A term is a constant or a variable or a product of constant and one or more variables. Expressions a + 2 Term 1 Term 2 Algebraic expressions Term 3m + 6n -6 3m, 6n,-6 4m2n, 7mn , -5 4m2n + 7mn - 5
Try these 1. Write the variables, constants and terms from the given expressions 4x2 – 3x + 7 3xy2 + 4x + 3y 11y3 – 7y2 + 5y – 10 2. Identify the term that contains m? 11m2 – 4m + 9 3mn2 – 3mn - 8