Algebra Vocabulary SOL 6.23

Algebraic Expressions An algebraic expression is made up of three things: numbers, variables and operation signs such as + and -. ab. Expressions do not include an equal sign! Examples : 2x + 1 and 3y

Coefficient A coefficient is the numerical factor in a term. It is the number in front of the variable. Example: in the term 4x, 4 is the coefficient. If the coefficient is not written, it is 1 Example: in the term d, 1 is the coefficient.

1. Circle the coefficient 3x 4y 5a 7b a 1

Variable A variable is a symbol (placeholder) used to represent an unknown number. Example: in the term 4x, x is the variable

2. Circle the variable 3x 4y 5a 7b a

Term A term is a number, variable, product or quotient in an expression of sums and/or differences. Terms are separated with a + or – sign. Examples: w 5 3w y/8

How many terms are there? 7x2 + 5x - 3 There are 3 terms!

3. Indicate the number of terms in each expression y/2 + 3 – 7 _____ 4d – 6 _____ 2 1 2 1 3 2

Constant A constant is a value that does not change. It is what it is. In the algebraic expression 4x + 5y + 7, 7 is the constant.

Identify the Constant in each expression. 6x + m + 12 4b – 5 7x + 13y + 3

Quantity A quantity is a specific or indefinite amount. 3(2 + 6) can be stated as 3 times the quantity of 2 and 6. Identify the quantity in: 5x + 2y + 3 + 2(z – 4)

Work with your elbow partner Use the algebraic expression below to give an example of each of the vocabulary words. 5a – 4b + c + 8 Coefficients_____ Variables________ Terms___________ Constant_________

Inverse Operations Addition and _____________ are inverse operations Inverse operations are operations which undo each other. 4. Examples: Addition and _____________ are inverse operations Multiplication and _________ are inverse operations Subtraction Division

Equations An equation is a mathematical sentence stating that two expressions are equal. Example: 2x + 1 = 4 The expressions are equal to one another.

5. Expression or Equation? 4d – 6 3x = 6 3b a/6 y/2 + 3 = 7 Expression Equation Expression Expression Equation