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Parts of an Expression

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Parts of an Expression

Study Guide

Key Definition

An expression is a combination of <a href="variables">$variables$</a>, numbers, and operations like $+$ and $-$.

Important Notes

Each part of an expression has a specific role.
A $coefficient$ is the numerical factor of a term.
Terms in an expression can be constants, variables, or a product of both.
Like terms contain the same variables raised to the same power.
$2x$ and $4x$ are examples of like terms.

Mathematical Notation

$+$ represents addition

$-$ represents subtraction

$\times$ or $*$ represents multiplication

$\div$ or $/$ represents division

Remember to use proper notation when solving problems

Why It Works

Understanding each part of an expression helps in simplifying and solving algebraic equations by identifying terms, coefficients, and constants, which supports operations like combining like terms and applying the distributive property.

Remember

Terms in an expression are separated by $+$ or $-$ signs.

Quick Reference

Expression:$ax + by + c$

Coefficient:The number in front of a variable, e.g., $2$ in $2x$

Constant:A fixed number, e.g., $9$ in $2x + 4y - 9$

Understanding Parts of an Expression

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Video explanation of this concept

Beginner

Start here! Easy to understand

Beginner Explanation

An expression like $2x + 4$ consists of terms, coefficients, and constants.

Practice Problems

Test your understanding with practice problems

Quick Quiz

Single Choice Quiz

Beginner

Identify the coefficient in the term $7x$.

Real-World Problem

Question Exercise

Intermediate

Teenager Scenario

You earn $5x$ dollars per hour babysitting and $10y$ dollars mowing lawns, where x is the number of hours spent babysitting and y is the number of hours spent mowing lawns. Write an expression for your total earnings.

Thinking Challenge

Thinking Exercise

Intermediate

Think About This

Simplify the expression $3x + 5 - 2x + 7$.

Challenge Quiz

Single Choice Quiz

Advanced

Which of the following is the common factor of the two terms in the expression $3x(x + 4) + 2(x + 4)$?

Recap

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Review key concepts and takeaways