Lesson 5 Algebraic Expressions

The Concept of Algebraic Expressions

            We use the symbol 0, 1, 2, 3, …9 in arithmetic. These symbols are constants since represents a fixed
value. We use not only constants but also the letters of the English alphabet represent real numbers in algebra.
These symbols called variables can assume any depending on how they are used. Any combinations of
constants and variables by the fundamental operations which when taken as a whole represents a number is
called algebraic expression. The set of all numbers that can be used in place of a variable is
called domain (set) of that variable.

Algebraic Expression is any combination of constants and variables involving the fundamental operations
which when taken as a whole represents a number.

( Example no. 5 is not algebraic expression. It is an algebraic equation)

A rational expression is an algebraic expression that can be written without any variables under the radical
sign

(From the examples the rational expressions are nos. 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7)

If an algebraic expression involves variables under radical signs, it is called an irrational expression.

(From the examples the irrational expressions are 1 and 3 )

(The polynomials are 4 and 7)

A fractional expression is a rational expression, which is not a polynomial in which denominators, or divisions
involving variables necessarily occur.

(From the example the fractional expressions are nos. 2 and 6 )

Each distinct part, together with + or – signs in an algebraic expression separated by plus or minus sign is called
a term.

(From the examples, no. 1 has two terms. In no. 2 has one term, no. 6 has two terms)

                  A polynomial maybe a monomial, binomial, trinomial or multinomial accordingly as it has one,

two, three and more than three terms. A multinomial is a polynomial but a polynomial is not always a
multinomial, that is of the case of a monomial – a monomial is a polynomial but not a multinomial.

                The constant factor of a term is called numerical coefficient and the literal factor(s) are called literal
coefficients. The numerical coefficient of 2x3y is 2, the literal coefficients are x3 and y. While the coefficient of
2 is x3y, the coefficient of y is 2x3 and the coefficient of x3   is 2y.

                Terms with the same literal coefficients (including the exponents) are called similar
terms, otherwise dissimilar terms.

The degree of a polynomial, which involves variables, is the sum of exponents attached to these variables.

The degree of a polynomial is the highest degree of the term appearing in the polynomial.
 

Terns to be understand:

1. Constant – is an object or symbol that does not change its value in a particular problem or discussion.
2. Variable – is an object or symbol that change its value in a particular problem or discussion.
3. Domain of a variable - set of all numbers that can be used in place of a variable.
4. Term – refers to the part of an algebraic expression separated by a plus (+) or minus ( - ) sign.
5. Monomial – Algebraic expression consisting of only one term.
6. Binomial - Algebraic expression which consists of exactly two terms.
7. Trinomial - Algebraic expression which consists of exactly three terms.
8. Multinomial - Algebraic expression which consists of many terms.
9. Coefficient - A numerical or constant quantity placed before and multiplying the variable in an
algebraic expression (e.g 4 in 4xy)

Lesson 6 Addition and Subtraction of

Algebraic Expressions.
Addition of Algebraic Expressions

            To be able to add or subtract algebraic expressions, we shall consider first whether the terms are similar or
dissimilar. If the terms are similar, we may combine the terms by adding the numerical coefficients. We shall apply
the properties of real numbers like the associative, commutative and the distributive property.

Key Words

 Plus
 Add
 Increased by
 More than
 Sum
 Total
 Combined, together
 

 
Subtraction of Algebraic Expressions

            Like addition or subtraction of algebraic expressions, both use the associative, commutative and the
distributive properties. If the terms are the same, we simply subtract the numerical coefficients by using the rules for
signed numbers. Then we copy the literal coefficient. But if the terms are dissimilar, simply change the sign of the
subtrahend, do not combine the terms in vertical column. We change the sign of the subtrahend mentally then
proceed as in addition. To illustrate let us study some examples.