What is Term in Algebra? Simplified Explanation with Examples

 Hello! Today, we’re going to learn about a very important concept in algebra: terms. Knowing what a term is and how to use it is a fundamental part of learning algebra. Let’s dive in!

What is Term in Algebra?

In algebra, a term is a single mathematical expression. It can be a number, a variable (a letter that stands for a number), or numbers and variables multiplied together.

Examples of Terms:

• A single number: $5$
• A single variable: $x$
• A number and a variable multiplied together: $7x$
• Multiple variables multiplied together: $xy$

Why Are Terms Important in Algebra?

Terms are the building blocks of algebraic expressions. They help us create and solve equations, which are statements that show the equality of two expressions.

Breaking Down Terms

Let’s look at some different types of terms:

1. Constant Term:
   • A term that has only a number and no variable.
   • Example: $4$, $-3$, $12$
2. Variable Term:
   • A term that includes a variable, which can change or vary.
   • Example: $x$, $y$, $z$
3. Coefficient:
   • The number that is multiplied by the variable in a term.
   • Example: In $5x$, the number $5$ is the coefficient.

Examples and Explanations

Example 1: Simple Term

Term: $3$

• This is a constant term because it is just a number.
• There is no variable attached to it.

Example 2: Variable Term

Term: $x$

• This is a variable term because it includes the variable $x$.
• There is no coefficient, but you can imagine it as $1x$.

Example 3: Term with Coefficient

Term: $4y$

• This term has both a number and a variable.
• The number $4$ is the coefficient, and $y$ is the variable.

Combining Terms

When we combine terms, we create expressions. For example, the expression $2x+3$ has two terms: $2x$ and $3$.

Practice Problems

Let’s practice identifying terms:

1. Identify the terms in the expression $7+2x$.
   • Terms: $7$ (constant term) and $2x$ (variable term with coefficient 2).
2. Identify the terms in the expression $5y-3+2z$.
   • Terms: $5y$ (variable term with coefficient 5), $-3$ (constant term), and $2z$ (variable term with coefficient 2).

Like-terms

Like-terms are the terms that have same combination of letters.

For example, in an expression

5x + 3 – 2x – 8 + x + 4

5x , -2x and x are like-terms. These terms only differ in their coefficients and so referred as like-terms.

Number terms are also like-terms. In above expression 3, -8 and 4 are like-terms.

Ask Questions:

• • • Feel free to ask any question in the Comment Section below.

Conclusion

Understanding terms is a crucial step in learning algebra. They are the building blocks of expressions and equations, and recognizing them will help you solve algebra problems more easily. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be very comfortable with terms in algebra!