Parts Of An Expression - Varsity Tutors

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Parts of an Expression

Study Guide

Key Definition

An expression is a combination of variables, 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 divisionRemember 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

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Start here! Easy to understand

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Beginner Explanation

An expression like $2x + 4$ consists of terms, coefficients, and constants.Now showing Beginner level explanation.

Practice Problems

Test your understanding with practice problems

1

Quick Quiz

Single Choice QuizBeginner

Identify the coefficient in the term $7x$.

A$7$B$x$C$0$D$1$Check AnswerPlease select an answer for all 1 questions before checking your answers. 1 question remaining.2

Real-World Problem

Question ExerciseIntermediate

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.Show AnswerClick to reveal the detailed solution for this question exercise.3

Thinking Challenge

Thinking ExerciseIntermediate

Think About This

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

Show AnswerClick to reveal the detailed explanation for this thinking exercise.4

Challenge Quiz

Single Choice QuizAdvanced

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

A$x + 4$B$3x + 2$C$x$D$4$Check AnswerPlease select an answer for all 1 questions before checking your answers. 1 question remaining.

Recap

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