Introduction to Algebra Vocabulary Identifying Parts of an

Introduction to Algebra Vocabulary

Identifying Parts of an Algebraic Expression Distributive Property of Multiplication Expression: a group of terms. Contains 3 things: • Numbers • Operations • Variables • ***DOES NOT CONTAIN AN EQUAL SIGN!!

VARIABLE A LETTER/SYMBOL THAT REPRESENTS AN UNKNOWN NUMBER Every variable has a coefficient.

1 -9 Simplifying Algebraic Expressions In the expression 7 x + 9 y + 15, 7 x, 9 y, and 15 are called terms. A term can be a number, a variable, or a product of numbers and variables. Terms in an expression are separated by + and –. 7 x + 5 – 3 y 2 + y + x 3 term term In the term 7 x, 7 is called the Coefficient coefficient. A coefficient is a number that is multiplied by a variable in an algebraic expression. A variable by itself, like y, has a coefficient of 1. So y = 1 y. Course 2 Variable

Identifying parts of an expression. Constant: the term without a variable. Like Terms: terms with the same variable factors, but may have different coefficients.

1 -9 Simplifying Algebraic Expressions Like terms are terms with the same variable raised to the same power. The coefficients do not have to be the same. Constants, like 5, 1, 2 and 3. 2, are also like terms. Like Terms Unlike Terms Course 2 w and w 5 and 1. 8 7 5 x 2 and 2 x 6 a and 6 b 3. 2 and n The exponents The variables Only one term contains a are different variable 3 x and 2 x

1 -9 Simplifying Algebraic Expressions Additional Example 1: Identifying Like Terms Identify like terms in the list. 3 t 5 w 2 7 t 9 v 4 w 2 8 v Look for like variables with like powers. 3 t 5 w 2 7 t 9 v Like terms: 3 t and 7 t 4 w 2 8 v 5 w 2 and 4 w 2 9 v and 8 v Helpful Hint Use different shapes or colors to indicate sets of like terms. Course 2