Algebra Vocabulary

Front

What is a coefficient?

Back

A coefficient is a number that is multiplied by a variable in an algebraic expression. For example, in 3x, 3 is the coefficient.

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What is a term in an algebraic expression?

Back

A term is each part of an algebraic expression that is separated by a plus or minus sign. For example, in 5x + 3y - 2, there are three terms: 5x, 3y, and -2.

Front

What is a constant in an algebraic expression?

Back

A constant is a fixed value that does not change. For example, in the expression 9 + 3w, 9 is the constant.

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What is a variable in algebra?

Back

A variable is a symbol, usually a letter, that represents an unknown value. For example, in the expression 5x + 7, x is the variable.

Front

What is an equation?

Back

An equation is a mathematical statement that shows that two expressions are equal, often containing an equal sign. For example, y + 2 = 10 is an equation.

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What is an expression in algebra?

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An expression is a combination of numbers, variables, and operators (like + and -) that represents a value but does not have an equal sign. For example, 4x + 5 is an expression.

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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.

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What is the difference between an expression and an equation?

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An expression does not have an equal sign, while an equation does. For example, 3x + 2 is an expression, but 3x + 2 = 5 is an equation.

Front

What is a linear equation?

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A linear equation is an equation that makes a straight line when graphed. It has the form y = mx + b, where m is the slope and b is the y-intercept.

Front

What is the purpose of using parentheses in algebra?

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Parentheses are used to indicate which operations should be performed first in an expression. For example, in (2 + 3) × 4, you add 2 and 3 first.