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Expressions with Letters
Overview
In order to write and solve expressions involving letters, we need to first understand
variables, terms, and coefficients.
| VARIABLES | TERMS |
|---|---|
| A variable is a symbol that’s used to represent an unknown number |
Terms are single numbers or variables. They can also be a set of numbers and variables that are multiplied together |
| 3 + 2x = 9 | 3 + 2x = 9 |
| x is the variable | There are 3 terms: (3, 2x, and 9) |
| COEFFICIENTS |
|---|
| Coefficients are numbers placed before a variable when multiplying |
| 3 + 2x = 9 |
| 2 is a coefficient |
Let’s try using some of the new vocabulary.
The following expression has____ coefficient(s), _____ term(s) and ____variable(s).
2x – 3
[ANSWER] 1 coefficient, 2 terms, and 1 variable
Now that we understand the vocabulary, we can begin to solve expressions involving variables.
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Which expression has exactly 2 variables?
A. 2(2 + 3) – 3x
B. 2x + y
C. 2x + 2 = 10
Answer
B
Variables are symbols used to represent unknown numbers. x and y are
variables in this expression
Which expression represents the sum of 3 terms?
A. 3b + c
B. (3 + b) + c
C. 3 + b + c
Answer
C
Terms are single numbers or variables. They can also be a set of numbers of
variables multiplied together. 3, b, and c are terms in this expression.
What is the coefficient in the expression 7z + 3?
A. 7
B. z
C. 3
Answer
A
Coefficients are numbers placed before variables when multiplying. 7 is the
coefficient in this expression.
How many terms are in the expression xy + cd?
A. 1
B. 2
C. 4
Answer
B
Terms are single numbers or variables. They can also be a set of numbers of
variables multiplied together. xy is one term. cd is another term.
Write an expression to represent 5 times y.
Answer
5 x y or 5y
The word “times” signals multiplication.
Click on the quizzes below to test your knowledge.
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