(8 March 2011) Chapter 4: Vocabulary in Algebra

(I) Algebraic Expressions vs Equations
The following are expressions

• 3x
• 5 - 2y
• p + 2q - 45
• mn

The following are equations:

• 2x = 4
• x + 8 = 20
• x² = 36
• 2x + y = 4

Can you tell the difference between an expression and an equation?

(II) Coefficients, Variables and Constants
In the following algebraic expressions:

(a) 6x

• x is a variable
• 6 is the coefficient of x
• There is no constant

(b) 2y + 5

• y is a variable
• 2 is the coefficient of y
• 5 is the constant

(c) 3m + 7n + 9

• m and n are variables
• 3 and 7 are coefficients of m and n respectively
• 9 is the constant

(d) p + 2q - 45

• p and q are variables
• 1 and 2 are coefficients of p and q respectively
• -45 is the constant

(e) 5a - 3b + 1

• a and b are variables
• 5 and -3 are coefficients of a and b respectively
• 1 is the constant

(f) x - y

• x and y are variables
• 1 and -1 are coefficients of x and y respectively
• There is no constant

When given an expression, are you able to pick out the variable(s), coefficient(s) and constant terms?
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Let's learn more terms that are related to Algebra through the Hangman activity (select "Algebra")

Source:
http://www.subtangent.com/maths/flash/hangman-loadable.swf