Basic Algebraic Concepts

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Commutative Property

Back

a + b = b + a or a(b) = b(a).

A property of addition and multiplication that states the order of numbers does not change the sum or product.

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Associative Property

Back

(a + b) + c = a + (b + c) or (ab)c = a(bc)

A property that states the way in which numbers are grouped does not change their sum or product. Numbers in the parentheses will change, but the answer will stay the same.

Front

Distributive Property

Back

a(b + c) = ab + ac

(Rainbow)

A property that states a(b + c) = ab + ac. It connects addition and multiplication.

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Variable

Back

A symbol, usually a letter, used to represent an unknown number.

X is often a variable

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Coefficient

Back

A numerical or constant quantity placed before and multiplying the variable in an algebraic expression (e.g., 4 in 4x).

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Constant

Back

A fixed value that does not change. It is usually a number that does not have a variable with it.

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Exponent

Back

A number that indicates how many times the base is multiplied by itself. For example, in 2^3, 3 is the exponent.

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Term

Back

A single mathematical expression. It can be a single number, a variable, or numbers and variables multiplied together.

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Like Terms

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Terms that have the same variables raised to the same power. Only the coefficients of like terms are different.