Algebraic Expressions

An algebraic expression is one or more algebraic terms in a phrase. It can include variables,constants, and operating symbols, such as plus and minus signs. It's only a phrase, not the whole sentence, so it doesn't include an equal sign.

Example

3x2 + 2y + 7xy + 5

In an algebraic expression, terms are the elements separated by the plus or minus signs. This example has four terms, 3x2, 2y,7xy, and 5. Terms may consist of variables and coefficients, or constants.

Variables

In algebraic expressions, letters represent variables. These letters are actually numbers in disguise. In this expression, the variables are x and y. We call these letters "variables" because the numbers they represent can varythat is, we can substitute one or more numbers for the letters in the expression.

Coefficients

Coefficients are the number part of the terms with variables. In 3x2 + 2y + 7xy + 5, the coefficient of the first term is 3. The coefficient of the second term is 2, and the coefficient of the third term is 7. If a term consists of only variables, for example y its coefficient is 1.