Algebraic Expressions Vocabulary

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What is a numeric expression?

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A numeric expression is a mathematical phrase that includes numbers and operations but no variables. Example: 100 - 12² + 5.

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What is an algebraic expression?

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An algebraic expression is a mathematical phrase that includes numbers, variables, and operations. Example: 2x + 3.

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What is a coefficient?

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A coefficient is a numerical factor in a term of an algebraic expression. Example: In 3x, 3 is the coefficient.

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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. Example: In 2x + 3, x is the variable.

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What is a term in an expression?

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A term is a single mathematical expression that can be a number, a variable, or a combination of both. Example: In 4x + 2 - 7, there are three terms: 4x, 2, and -7.

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What is a power in mathematics?

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A power is an expression that represents repeated multiplication of a number by itself. Example: In 2², 2 is the base and 2 is the power.

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What is the difference between an equation and an expression?

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An equation states that two expressions are equal and includes an equals sign (=). An expression does not include an equals sign.

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How do you identify the number of terms in an expression?

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Count the number of separate parts in the expression, which are separated by + or - signs. Example: In 4x + 2 - 7, there are 3 terms.

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What is a base in an exponent?

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The base is the number that is being multiplied in a power. Example: In 3², 3 is the base.

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What is a constant in an algebraic expression?

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A constant is a fixed value that does not change. Example: In the expression 2x + 5, 5 is the constant.