1. Algebra Vocabulary
SOL 6.23

2. 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 and 3y

3. 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.

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

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

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

7. 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

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

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

10. 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.

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

12. 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 (z – 4)

13. 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_________

14. 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

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

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