Algebra Vocabulary

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What is an equation?

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An equation is a mathematical statement that asserts the equality of two expressions, typically containing an equal sign (e.g., 2y + 4 = 14).

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What is a coefficient?

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A coefficient is a numerical factor that multiplies a variable in an algebraic expression (e.g., in 4y, 4 is the coefficient).

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What is a term in algebra?

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A term is a single mathematical expression that can be a number, a variable, or a combination of both, separated by plus or minus signs (e.g., in 3x + 5y, 3x and 5y are terms).

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What is a variable?

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A variable is a symbol, often a letter, that represents an unknown value in an expression or equation (e.g., y in 4y + 7 = 21).

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What is an expression?

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An expression is a combination of numbers, variables, and operators (like + and -) that represents a value but does not include an equal sign (e.g., 3x + 5).

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What does it mean to solve an equation?

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To solve an equation means to find the value of the variable that makes the equation true (e.g., solving 2y + 4 = 14 gives y = 5).

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What is the difference between an equation and an expression?

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An equation includes an equal sign and states that two expressions are equal, while an expression does not have an equal sign and represents a value.

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What is a constant in algebra?

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A constant is a fixed value that does not change (e.g., in the expression 3x + 5, the number 5 is a constant).

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What is a linear equation?

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A linear equation is an equation of the first degree, meaning it has no exponents greater than one (e.g., y = 2x + 3).

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What is a solution to an equation?

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A solution to an equation is the value of the variable that makes the equation true (e.g., for 2y + 4 = 14, the solution is y = 5).