Algebra Vocabulary

Variable
Symbol for an unknown number or quantity.
Examples: x y a b
Term
Either a single number or a variable, or numbers and variables multiplied together.
Examples: x 2a b2 4ay3x
Expression
Group of terms separated by + or – signs.
Examples: x + 2a b2 − 81
Equation
Statement of two equal mathematical expressions using an equals sign.
Examples: b + 7 = 13 x − 4c = 3x + 9
Formula
Mathematical relationship or rule expressed in symbols.
D
Examples: A=b×h S=T
Coefficient
Number used to multiply a variable.
Examples: 5x� 8b2
Factor
Number or quantity that when multiplied with another produces a given number or
expression.
Examples: 6 and 2 are factors of 12
In the expression 3(x + 4) both 3 and (x + 4) are factors
Inequality
Not equal to. Compares the size of values.
Examples: 5 + 2a < 74 is less than
3x > 2x − 9 is greater than
Identity
An equation that is true no matter what values are chosen.
a
Example: 2= a × 0.5 this is true no matter what value is chosen for ‘a’