1. Algebraic Expressions Notes
Vocabulary

2. What is a variable?
A variable is a symbol, usually a letter, used to represent an unspecified number.
Example: x; y; z

3. What is a term?
Can be a single number or a letter/variable, or numbers and variables multiplied together. *Separated by a + or – sign*
Example: 10y – 3 (terms are 10y and 3)

4. What is a constant? A value that does NOT change
Example: 3 or 6 (just a number)

5. What is a coefficient? A number used to identify a variable.
Example: 2x

6. What is a difference between a numeric and algebraic expression?
A numeric expression is a combination of numbers and operations.
Example: 5 x
An algebraic expression is a combination of variables, numbers and at least one operation.
Example: 6x + 2

7. Identifying parts of an expression
3 𝑥 4 −2𝑦+15
Term: 3𝑥^4; 2y; 15
Variables: x;y
Coefficients: 3; 2
Exponents: 4
Constants: 15

8. Questions to answer…
Try and answer the bottom of the notes packet yourself. Check your answers on the next slide! NO PEAKING!!

9. Answers
1) Yes!
2) No!
3) No!
4) An algebraic expression has variables, whereas a numeric expression does not.
5) No!