Question

Find the terms of the expression. $$-7+4 x$$

Short answer

The terms of the expression \( -7 + 4x \) are \( -7 \) and \( 4x \)

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Terms

In the given algebraic expression \( -7 + 4x \), the terms are separated by a plus or minus sign. Therefore, the terms of the expression are \( -7 \) and \( 4x \)

Key concepts

Algebraic Expressions

An algebraic expression is a mathematical phrase that can contain numbers, variables (such as x or y), and operation signs (like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division). For instance, in the expression \( -7 + 4x \), \( -7 \) is a constant term because it doesn’t change, and \( 4x \) is a variable term since x can vary. These expressions represent quantities that can change; they are fundamental in formulating relationships and solving equations in algebra.

Understanding how to work with algebraic expressions is crucial for progressing in mathematics. It lays the groundwork for more advanced topics like solving equations, graphing lines, and tackling real-world problems. Students need to become familiar with the anatomy of these expressions to manipulate and solve them effectively. Each expression tells a story, and breaking them down into simpler parts can make the narrative much clearer.

Identifying Terms in Algebra

The process of identifying terms in an algebraic expression is akin to picking out individual ingredients in a recipe. A term is a single mathematical entity within an expression, which could be a number, a variable, or both multiplied together. Terms are usually separated by plus (\( + \)) or minus (\( - \)) signs. For our example \( -7 + 4x \), the separation is between \( -7 \) and \( 4x \).

It's crucial to spot these terms correctly, as they are the building blocks to simplifying expressions, solving equations, and understanding the relationships they represent. A simple tip for students is to look for the 'plus' or 'minus' signs as cleavers that split the expression into digestible parts. With practice, this becomes second nature, enabling you to tackle more complex algebraic challenges.

Combining Like Terms

The concept of combining like terms is similar to organizing a cluttered room; you group similar items together to create order. In algebra, like terms are terms that have the exact same variable part, for example, terms with just x, or just y, or no variable at all. However, they can have different coefficients (the number in front of the variable).

When you combine like terms, you simply add or subtract the coefficients and keep the variable part unchanged. For instance, if you have \( 4x \) and \( 6x \), you can combine them into \( 10x \) because they both have the variable x. This technique streamlines expressions and makes them easier to work with, especially when solving equations. A helpful strategy is to reorder the terms so that like terms are next to each other, which can help ensure you don’t miss any when combining.