Algebraic Expressions • Topic 3 of 7

Terms

A term is a single part of an expression separated by + or − signs. It can be a number, a variable, or a product of numbers and variables, such as 7, x, or 3xy. In 4x + 2y − 5, there are three terms: 4x, 2y and −5 (the sign belongs to the term). The number of terms helps name an expression — one term is a monomial, two a binomial, three a trinomial. Identifying terms correctly is the first step in simplifying, because you can only combine terms that are alike.

✅ Solved examples

1. How many terms are in 3x + 5y − 2?
Separated by + and −: 3x, 5y and −2 — three terms.
2. List the terms of 7a − 4b.
The terms are 7a and −4b.
3. Is 5xy one term or two?
It is a single product, so it is one term.
4. How many terms are in 2x² + 3x + 1?
Three terms: 2x², 3x and 1.

✏️ Practice — try these, take hints as needed

1. How many terms are in 4a + 3b − 7?
Count parts separated by + and −.
4a, 3b, −7.
Count.
Three.
2. List the terms of 2x − 9.
Separate at the − sign.
Keep signs with terms.
2x and −9.
2x and −9.
3. Is 6abc one term or three?
It is a single product.
No + or − inside.
One term.
One term.
4. How many terms are in x² + 2x + x + 5?
Count each part.
x², 2x, x, 5.
Count (before combining).
Four.
5. Name the type of expression 3x + 2 (by number of terms).
Two terms.
Two-term expressions have a special name.
Bi-.
A binomial.

📝 Topic test — 8 questions

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