Below, we will learn some essential vocabulary for algebra, the first higher level math subject most students study.
Variables
- variable
- constant
- coefficient
- expression
- evaluate the expression
- simplify the expression
- combine like terms
- independent variable
- dependent variable
In algebra, letters or symbols are used to replace numbers, like in the following basic examples:
- 5x + 3 = 13
- a2 + b2 = c2
In the first example, x is a variable. In the second example, a, b and c are all variables. The opposite of a variable is a constant. 3 is one constant in the first example.
Because x is a very common variable, we don't typically write the multiplication sign (×) in algebra. They look too similar and can be confusing. Instead, we put the number in front of the variable if we want to multiply it. If we want to multiply one number by another number (not a variable), we can use parentheses. See the examples below.
| 3x = 6 | Three times x equals six |
| 2(-3) + x = -1 | Two times negative three plus x equals negative one |
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