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Study Guide and Intervention
Simplifying Algebraic Expressions
Parts of Algebraic Expressions
term: a number, variable, or a product of numbers and variables; terms in an expression
are seperated by addition or subtraction signs
coefficient: the numerical part of a term that also contains a variable
constant: term without a variable
like terms: terms that contain the same variables
like terms
The coefficient of a is 6.
constant
6a - b + 2a - 7
6a - b + 2a - 7
The coefficient of b is -1.
terms
The coefficient of a is 2.
Example
Identify the terms, like terms, coefficients, and constants in the
expression 4m - 5m + n - 7.
4m - 5m + n - 7 = 4m + (-5m) + n + (-7)
Definition of Subtraction
= 4m + (-5m) + 1n + (-7)
Identity Property
Copyright © Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
The terms are 4m, -5m, and 1n. The like terms are 4m and -5m. The coefficients are 4, -5,
and 1. The constant is -7.
Exercises
Identify the terms, like terms, coefficients, and constants in each expression.
1. 2 + 6a + 4a
2. m + 4m + 2m + 5
3. 3c + 4d - c + 2
4. 5h - 3g + 2g - h
5. 3w + 4u - 6
6. 4r - 5s + 5s - 2r
7. -4r - 7 + 6r - s
8. -12 - 8x + 8x - 2z
3
4
1
9. −
a+−
b+−
a
Chapter 4
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Glencoe Pre-Algebra