Form 2 Mathematics Notes: Algebraic Expressions
1. What is an Algebraic Expression?
An algebraic expression is a mathematical phrase that contains:
Numbers
Variables (letters such as (x), (y), (a))
Mathematical operations (+, −, ×, ÷)
Examples
(3x + 5)
(2a - 7)
(4m + 3n)
(5x^2 - 2x + 1)
Not Algebraic Expressions
(3 + 5 = 8) (this is an equation because it has an "=" sign)
2. Terms
A term is a part of an algebraic expression separated by "+" or "−".
Example
Expression: (4x + 7 - 3y)
Terms:
(4x)
(7)
(-3y)
3. Variables
A variable is a letter that represents an unknown value.
Examples
In (5x), (x) is the variable.
In (2a + 3b), (a) and (b) are variables.
4. Coefficients
A coefficient is the number multiplied by a variable.
Examples
TermCoefficient
(5x)
5
(-3y)
-3
(x)
1
1. What is an Algebraic Expression?
An algebraic expression is a mathematical phrase that contains:
Numbers
Variables (letters such as (x), (y), (a))
Mathematical operations (+, −, ×, ÷)
Examples
(3x + 5)
(2a - 7)
(4m + 3n)
(5x^2 - 2x + 1)
Not Algebraic Expressions
(3 + 5 = 8) (this is an equation because it has an "=" sign)
2. Terms
A term is a part of an algebraic expression separated by "+" or "−".
Example
Expression: (4x + 7 - 3y)
Terms:
(4x)
(7)
(-3y)
3. Variables
A variable is a letter that represents an unknown value.
Examples
In (5x), (x) is the variable.
In (2a + 3b), (a) and (b) are variables.
4. Coefficients
A coefficient is the number multiplied by a variable.
Examples
TermCoefficient
(5x)
5
(-3y)
-3
(x)
1
