Representing

Algebraic
Expressions
Unlock the magic and mystery of
algebraic expressions!
 Components of Basic Operations in
Algebraic Expressions
Algebraic Expressions Algebra
Featured Content
THIS WEBSITE INCLUDES:

• Algebraic expressions
• Difference between an algebraic expression and
equation
• Components of algebraic expressions
• Basic operations in algebra

Test what you've learned using Concept

Checks!
 y+9
Algebraic
Expression 4d

• a combination of variables,
numbers, and operations 9+n
• has no equal sign
• a "math phrase"
 8 + r = 17
How does an algebraic
expression differ from an
t÷3=6 algebraic equation?
An algebraic equation forms when an
expression is set equal to another
22 = 2n + 8 value, variable, or another expression.

They all have an equal sign.

 Algebraic Expression Algebraic Equation

We can't solve it, but we can simplify We can solve it since we know it is equal to
it. something.

x+x+6 8 + r = 17

2x + 6 r=9
 Components of Algebraic
Expressions

What is a variable? What is a

coefficient?
 • A symbol (often a letter) used to
represent an unknown value

Variable
WHAT IS THE VARIABLE IN

9x + 8?
 • A number written before a
variable

• A multiplier of the variable

Coefficient
WHAT IS THE COEFFICIENT OF THE
EXPRESSIONS BELOW?

96q
 Concept Check

Jam places n number of oranges

in 2 large boxes. Can you write an expression to
represent the total number of oranges?

Identify the variable and the coefficient in the

expression.
 ANSWER KEY

Jam places n number of oranges TOTAL NUMBER OF ORANGES IN THE

in 2 large boxes. TWO BOXES

coefficient
n is the unknown number of oranges per
box

2n
n n variable
 We use key words to know what operation to use.

Word Algebraic
Operations
Expression Expression

Basic + four more than x x+4

Operations in
− four less than x x-4

Algebra
the quotient of x and x
The basic operations, such as +, -, x ÷ four
x ÷ 4 or
4

and ÷ work the same in algebra as

they do with numbers! the product of x and
× four
x × 4 or 4x
 Concept Check

Write an algebraic expression for each phrase.

8 more than the quotient

the sum of u and 11
of 9 and x

8 more than 5x 3 less than 8y