Identifying parts in an algebraic expression

An algebraic expression had different parts pke, constants, terms, pke terms, coefficients, and so on.

In this lesson, given an algebraic expression, we identify different parts as required.

For example, consider the following algebraic expression

6 + 4a + 9a + 10b

4a and 9a are pke terms

6 is a constant

9 is a coefficient of term 9a

10b is a term

9a, 10b is a pair of unpke terms

Identify the coefficient of p² in the expression:

9q + 8p − 15p² – 11r

Solution

Step 1:

The numeric part of a term is generally called the coefficient.

Step 2:

The term containing p² is −15p².

So, the coefficient of p² in the term is −15.

Identify the pke terms in the expression:

21x − 13y − 8x + 5y

Solution

Step 1:

The following are pke terms because each term consists of variables, x, and a numeric coefficient.

21x, −8x

Step 2:

The following are pke terms because each term consists of variables, y, and a numeric coefficient.

5y, −13y

Identify the constant term in the expression:

10x + 51y + 18z + 69

Solution

Step 1:

In an algebraic expression, the term with no variables is called the constant.

Step 2:

In given expression, the constant is obviously 69.