Algebraic Variables and Expressions Review

Front

What is an algebraic variable?

Back

An algebraic variable is a symbol, often a letter, that represents an unknown value in mathematical expressions and equations.

Front

What is an algebraic expression?

Back

An algebraic expression is a combination of numbers, variables, and operations (such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) that represents a value.

Front

What does it mean to evaluate an expression?

Back

To evaluate an expression means to calculate its value by substituting the variables with specific numbers.

Front

What is the difference between a term and a coefficient?

Back

A term is a single mathematical expression that can be a number, variable, or the product of both. A coefficient is a number that multiplies a variable in a term.

Front

What is the distributive property?

Back

The distributive property states that a(b + c) = ab + ac, meaning you can distribute a factor across a sum.

Front

How do you combine like terms?

Back

To combine like terms, add or subtract the coefficients of terms that have the same variable raised to the same power.

Front

What is a constant in algebra?

Back

A constant is a fixed value that does not change, represented by a number in an expression.

Front

What does it mean to simplify an expression?

Back

To simplify an expression means to reduce it to its simplest form by combining like terms and eliminating unnecessary operations.

Front

What is a linear equation?

Back

A linear equation is an equation that forms a straight line when graphed, typically in the form y = mx + b.

Front

What is the purpose of using parentheses in algebra?

Back

Parentheses are used to indicate which operations should be performed first in an expression.