what is an algebraic expression?
An algebraic expression is made up of the signs and symbols of algebra. These symbols include the Arabic numerals, literal numbers, the signs of operation, and so forth. Such an expression represents one number or one quantity. Thus, just as the sum of 4 and 2 is one quantity, that is, 6, the sum of c and d is one quantity, that is, c + d. Likewise , ab, a – b, and so forth, are algebraic expressions each of which represents one quantity or number. Longer expressions may be formed by combinations of the various signs of operation and the other algebraic symbols, but no matter how complex such expressions are they still represent one number. Thus the algebraic expression is one number The arithmetic value of any algebraic expression depends on the values assigned to the literal numbers. For example, in the expression 2×2 – 3ay, if x = -3, a = 5, and y = 1, then we have the following: 2×2 – 3ay = 2(-3)2 -3(5)(1) = 2(9) – 15 = 18 – 15 = 3 Notice that the exponent is an expression such as
Have a look at these definitions: • A variable is a letter or symbol used to represent a quantity. • An algebraic expression consists of one or more numbers and variables along with one or more arithmetic operations. Some examples of algebraic expressions are shown below. You might write a table like the following to show the relation between verbal and algebraic expressions.
