a number multiplied into a variable

Constant

equation

Variable

Expression

coefficient

term

1 answer

In mathematics, the terms you've mentioned have specific meanings, particularly when it comes to algebraic expressions. Here’s a brief explanation of each term:

  1. Constant: A constant is a fixed value that does not change. For example, in the expression \(5x + 3\), the number \(3\) is a constant.

  2. Equation: An equation is a mathematical statement that indicates two expressions are equal. It typically contains an equal sign (=). For example, \(2x + 3 = 7\) is an equation.

  3. Variable: A variable is a symbol (often a letter) used to represent a number that can vary. In the expression \(5x + 3\), \(x\) is a variable.

  4. Expression: An expression is a combination of numbers, variables, and operations (like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) without an equal sign. For example, \(5x + 3\) is an expression.

  5. Coefficient: A coefficient is a numerical factor that multiplies a variable in an expression. In the expression \(5x\), the number \(5\) is the coefficient of the variable \(x\).

  6. Term: A term is a single mathematical expression. It can be a number, a variable, or the product of numbers and variables. For example, in the expression \(5x + 3 - 2y\), there are three terms: \(5x\), \(3\), and \(-2y\).

These definitions clarify how these concepts relate to one another in algebra. If you need more specific explanations or examples, feel free to ask!