Algebraic Expressions

Variables

·        Letters represent an unknown or generic real number

·        Sometimes with restrictions, such as a member of a certain set, or the set of values that makes an equation true.

·        Often a letter from the end of the alphabet: x, y, z

·        Or a letter that stands for a physical quantity: d for distance, t for time, etc.

Constants

·        Fixed values, like 2 or 7.

·        Can also be represented by letters: a, b, c, p, e, k

Terms

Terms are Separated by + or –

Factors

Factors are multiplied together.

Coefficients

Coefficients are constant factors that multiply a variable or powers of a variable

The middle term has 2 factors, –3 and x. We say that the coefficient of x is –3.

The first term has three factors, 2 and two factors of x. We say that 2 is the coefficient of x².

The last term is a factor all by itself (although the number 4 could be factored into 2 ´ 2).