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The constant that multiplies the variable(s) in a term is called the coefficient . We can think of the coefficient as the number in front of the variable. The coefficient of the term is When we write the coefficient is since [link] gives the coefficients for each of the terms in the left column.
Term | Coefficient |
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An algebraic expression may consist of one or more terms added or subtracted. In this chapter, we will only work with terms that are added together. [link] gives some examples of algebraic expressions with various numbers of terms. Notice that we include the operation before a term with it.
Expression | Terms |
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Identify each term in the expression Then identify the coefficient of each term.
The expression has four terms. They are and
The coefficient of is
The coefficient of is
Remember that if no number is written before a variable, the coefficient is So the coefficient of is
The coefficient of a constant is the constant, so the coefficient of is
Identify all terms in the given expression, and their coefficients:
The terms are 4 x , 3 b , and 2. The coefficients are 4, 3, and 2.
Identify all terms in the given expression, and their coefficients:
The terms are 9 a , 13 a 2 , and a 3 , The coefficients are 9, 13, and 1.
Some terms share common traits. Look at the following terms. Which ones seem to have traits in common?
Which of these terms are like terms?
Terms are called like terms if they have the same variables and exponents. All constant terms are also like terms. So among the terms
Terms that are either constants or have the same variables with the same exponents are like terms.
Identify the like terms:
ⓐ
Look at the variables and exponents. The expression contains and constants.
The terms and are like terms because they both have
The terms and are like terms because they both have
The terms and are like terms because they are both constants.
The term does not have any like terms in this list since no other terms have the variable raised to the power of
ⓑ
Look at the variables and exponents. The expression contains the terms
The terms and are like terms because they both have
The terms are like terms because they all have
The term has no like terms in the given expression because no other terms contain the two variables
Identify the like terms in the list or the expression:
9, 15; 2 x 3 and 8 x 3 , y 2 , and 11 y 2
Identify the like terms in the list or the expression:
4 x 3 and 6 x 3 ; 8 x 2 and 3 x 2 ; 19 and 24
We can simplify an expression by combining the like terms . What do you think would simplify to? If you thought you would be right!
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