Algebraic Expressions

Algebraic expressions are the idea of expressing numbers using letters or alphabets without specifying their actual values. The basics of algebra taught us how to express an unknown value using letters such as $x,y,z$ etc. These letters are called as variables. An algebraic expression can be a combination of both variables and constants. Any value that is placed before and multiplied by a variable is a coefficient.

Definition

An algebraic expression in mathematics is an expression which is made up of variables and constants, along with algebraic operations (addition, subtraction, etc.). Expressions are made up of terms.

These expressions are represented with the help of unknown variables, constants and coefficients. The combination of these three (as terms) is said to be an expression. Unlike the algebraic equation, an algebraic expression has no sides or equal to sign. Some of its examples include $5x+8y-6$ , $5x+8$.

In $5x+8$ $5$ is the coefficient of $x$, $x$ is a variable, $8$ is the constant $5x+8$ is a term.

Types of Algebraic expression

There are 3 main types of algebraic expressions which include:

• Monomial Expression
• Binomial Expression
• Polynomial Expression

Monomial Expression

An algebraic expression which is having only one term is known as a monomial.

Examples of monomial expressions include $3x^{3}$, $4xy$, $8y$, etc.

Binomial Expression

A binomial expression is an algebraic expression which is having two terms, which are unlike.

Examples of binomial include $4xy+9$, $y^{3}+4xy$, etc.

Polynomial Expression

In general, an expression with more than one term with non-negative integral exponents of a variable is known as a polynomial.

Examples of polynomial expression include $2x+3y+4z$ ,$x^{3}+2x^{2}+4x+6$ etc.