Monday, April 18, 2011

Chapter 4: Algebra

(I) Algebraic Expressions vs Equations
The following are expressions
  • 3x
  • 5 - 2y
  • p + 2q - 45
  • mn
The following are equations:
  • 2x = 4
  • x + 8 = 20
  • x² = 36
  • 2x + y = 4
Can you tell the difference between an expression and an equation?

(II) Coefficients, Variables and Constants
In the following algebraic expressions:

(a) 6x
  • x is a variable
  • 6 is the coefficient of x
  • There is no constant
(b) 2y + 5
  • y is a variable
  • 2 is the coefficient of y
  • 5 is the constant
(c) 3m + 7n + 9
  • m and n are variables
  • 3 and 7 are coefficients of m and n respectively
  • 9 is the constant
(d) p + 2q - 45
  • p and q are variables
  • 1 and 2 are coefficients of p and q respectively
  • -45 is the constant
(e) 5a - 3b + 1
  • a and b are variables
  • 5 and -3 are coefficients of a and b respectively
  • 1 is the constant
(f) x - y
  • x and y are variables
  • 1 and -1 are coefficients of x and y respectively
  • There is no constant
When given an expression, are you able to pick out the variable(s), coefficient(s) and constant terms?
Click HERE to read more about these...


Let's learn more terms that are related to Algebra through the Hangman activity (select "Algebra")

1 comment:

  1. I) expressions are used to symbolise numbers and equations are like normal equations (e.g 1=1+2)

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