Algebra Expressions and Equations Flashcard

An algebraic expression is a mathematical phrase that can include numbers, variables, and operation symbols. For example, $$3x + 5$$ is an algebraic expression.

To simplify an expression means to combine like terms and reduce it to its simplest form. For example, $$4x - 2x + 3 - 5$$ simplifies to $$2x - 2$$ .

A variable is a symbol, often a letter, that represents an unknown value. For example, in the expression $$x + 2$$ , $$x$$ is the variable.

An equation is a mathematical statement that asserts the equality of two expressions, typically containing an equal sign ( = ). For example, $$2x + 3 = 7$$ is an equation.

An inequality is a mathematical statement that compares two expressions using symbols like <, >, ≤, or ≥. For example, $$x - 5 > 2$$ is an inequality.

To solve a simple equation, isolate the variable on one side of the equation. For example, to solve $$x + 3 = 7$$ , subtract 3 from both sides to get $$x = 4$$ .

To solve an inequality means to find the range of values for the variable that makes the inequality true. For example, solving $$3x - 4 \leq 5$$ gives $$x \leq 3$$ .

Like terms are terms in an expression that have the same variable raised to the same power. For example, $$2x$$ and $$3x$$ are like terms.

The distributive property states that $$a(b + c) = ab + ac$$ . It allows you to multiply a term by a sum or difference.

To combine like terms, add or subtract the coefficients of the terms that have the same variable. For example, $$2x + 3x = 5x$$ .