5.

1 Algebraic Symbols
Learning Competencies
The learner will be able to:
1 differentiate between constant terms and variables in agiven algebraicexpression;
2. identify the base, coefficient, terms,and exponents in a given polynomial; and
3. interpret the meaning of an wherenisa positive number.

Asymbol that represents an unknown number is referred to as a variable. Symbal.

l1ke x, y, a, a, B, and can be used as variables.
Avariable, a number, or a collection of variables and numbers related by at le
a fundamental operation or grouping symbol is called an algebraic expression. Sone
examples of algebraic expressions are:
7h 2x, -3y +4, V46 Sy -t(y-1) 3

Any algebraic expression separated from another algebraic expression by aplu

(+) or a minus (-) sign is called a term. There are four terms in the expression
5x* + 2x y³-xy-7, namely 5x', 2x'y', -xy, and-7.

EXAMPLE 1. Count the number of terms in each algebraic expression.

a. 3x2-4x +1
There are three terms: 3x2, 4x, and 1.

b. 2x+1

There is only one term: 2x+1

4
C. 2(x+I)-N4x2+x
There are two terms: 2(*+1) and -4x' +x.
1
d. - x2+x+1
x+1

There are four terms: -x, x , and 1.

The numerical factor ofa term is called its numerical coeficient or simply coce
In the term -3y², the numerical coefficient is -3.

118