Simple Algebraic Expressions

Expressions are central concept in the algebra. A variable can take several values. Its values are not fixed. Otherwise, a constant has a fixed value. We are combining variables and constants to make algebraic expressions.

Operations of Simple algebraic expressions:

  For this, we can use the operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. We have already come across simple algebraic expressions like 7x 10, 4y-3, 5+2zand so on. The above expressions were obtained by combining variables and constants. The expressions are also obtained by combining variables with themselves.
Simple Algebraic Expressions Example Problems:

1. Find the coefficients of y in the following expressions?

    4x – 3y –Coefficient of y is -3
     8 + yz, –Coefficient of y is z
    my + m- –Coefficient of y is m

2. State with reasons, which of the following pairs of terms are of like terms and which are of unlike terms:

    – 4ab, 7ba- Like terms Here ab=ba
    3xy, 3 x- Unlike Terms. The variable y is only in one term

Algebraic Expressions Practice Problems:

1. Get the algebraic expressions in the following cases using variables, constants and arithmetic operations.

    Subtraction of z from y.
    One-half of the sum of numbers x and y.
    The number z multiplied by itself.
    One-fourth of the product of numbers p and q.
    Numbers x and y both are squared and added.
    Number 5 added to three times the product of numbers m and n.

Algebra is widely used in day to day activities watch out for my forthcoming posts on physics problems solutions and practice pre algebra. I am sure they will be helpful.

2.  Identify terms which contain x and give the coefficient of x.

(i) y2x + y        (ii) 13y2 – 8yx (iii) x + y + 2

(iv) 5 + z + zx  (v) 1 + x + xy  (vi) 12xy2 + 25

3. State whether a given pair of terms is of like or unlike terms.

(i) 1, 100          (ii) –7x, 5/2 x      (iii) – 29x, – 29y

(iv) 14xy, 42yx (v) 4m2p, 4mp2 (vi) 12xz, 12x2z2