Introduction to Algebra

• Constant : A symbol in algebra which had a fixed value.

• Variable : A symbol which can be assigned different numerical values or whose values can vary is called a variable.

• An algebraic expression is an expression composed of arithmetic numbers, letters , and sign of operation

• A term is an arithmetic number,letter, group of letters, or group composed of an arithmetic number and letters which are joined by multiplication or division.

• A monomial is algebraic expression of one term.

• A binomial is an algebraic expression of two terms 

• A trinomial is an algebraic expression of three terms. 

• A compound expression or polynomial is an algebraic expression of two or more terms.

• A factor is any one of two or more numbers that are multiplied together.

• If two factors form a product, either factor is the coefficient of the other. Eg.in the product 9a, 9 is the coefficient of ‘a’, 9 is the coefficient of ‘a’ and a is the coefficient of 9

• The number factor of ap product is the numerical coefficient of the remaining factors.

• The letter factor or variable if a product is the literal coefficient.

• Like terms or similar terms are terms which have the same literal factors.

• Unlike terms are terms which have different literal factors.