Math Vocabulary Algebra The area of mathematics where

Math Vocabulary

Algebra The area of mathematics where letters (like x or y) or other symbols are used to represent unknown numbers. Example: in x - 5 = 2, x is unknown.

4 x – 7 y + 11 Expression - Numbers, symbols and operators (such as + and ×) grouped together that show the value of something. Expressions do not have equal signs.

4 x - 7 y + 11 Term - In Algebra a term is either a single number or a variable, or numbers and variables multiplied together. Q 1. List the terms from the example above?

4 x -7 y + 2 x -11 Like Terms – two or more terms that have the same variables. They can be combined or simplified. Unlike Terms – two or more terms that do NOT have the same variables. They cannot be simplified. Q 2. What are the like terms above?

4 x - 7 y + 11 Variable - A symbol for a number we don't know yet. It is usually a letter like x or y. Example: in x + 2 = 6, x is the variable If it is not a variable it is called a Constant. Q 3. How many different variables are in the above expression?

4 x - 7 y + 11 Constant - In Algebra, a constant is a number on its own, or sometimes a letter such as a, b or c to stand for a fixed number. A fixed value. Example: in x + 5 = 9, 5 and 9 are constants If it is not a constant it is called a variable.

4 x - 7 y + 11 Coefficient - A number used to multiply a variable. Example: 4 x means 4 times x (multiply me!), and x is a variable, so 4 is a coefficient. Q 4. What is the coefficient of y in the above expression?

4 x - 7 y + 11 Operator - a symbol (such as +, ×, etc) that represents an operation (i. e. you want to do something with the values). Q 5. Is the second term a negative 7 or minus 7?

4 x - 7 = 5 Equation - An equation says that two things are the same, using mathematical symbols. An equal sign (=) is used Example: 7+2 = 10 -1

Why does this symbolize an equation?

Describe the Variable Expression Meaning Operation 8 y, 8 y, (8)(y) 8 times y Multiplication , 16 b 16 divided by Division b 4+s 4 plus s Addition 9 -x 9 minus x Subtraction

Substitute and Solve these equations if n = 4 3+n=? 3+4=7 5(4) + 5 = 5 n + 5 = ? 20/n = ? 20 + 5 = 25 20/4 = 5

Evaluate each expression y=2 Expression Substitute 5 y y+6 14 - y Simplify