Basic Math Funda: Introduction to Algebraic Expression.

Introduction to Algebraic Expression.

When something is expressed in mathematical language using numbers and variables then it is an Algebraic Expression.

For example: we have 3 apples & 4 bananas can be expressed as

Let x= one apple and y= one banana

\ It can be expressed as

3x + 4y ….. This is an algebraic expression.

Let us see in details one by one

· Variable: It is a letter which is unknown yet. As per expression, the value of variable may varies.

· Coefficient: It is a real number in multiplication with the variable. ( ex. 5x, -2x , 3x²,x, etc.)

· Term: If is a number in multiplication with one or more variable, altogether is a term. (ex. 3x² + 2x, here 3x² & 2x are two different terms)

Variables on their own (without a number next to them), actually have a coefficient of 1 (x is really 1x) but not written.

Sometimes a coefficient is a letter like ‘a’ & ‘b’ instead of a number.

Example: ax² + bx + c

· x is a variable

· a & b are coefficient.

· c is a constant.

Exponents in Expression:

The exponents (such as the 2 in x²) say how many times to use the value in a multiplication.

Type of Algebraic Expression

Note:

Polynomial is a term generally used for an expression. It means monomial, binomial, trinomial, constant single term may be refer as polynomial, except the exponent of variable in polynomial must be a whole number or division by variable is not allowed.