Question

Identify the terms and factors in the expression given below: \[2x - 3\].

Answer 1

Hint: Algebraic expressions are combinations of variables, numbers, and algebraic operators (such as addition, subtraction, division, multiplication, etc.) for an arithmetic operation.

Complete step by step solution: An algebraic expression is a mathematical phrase that contains integral or fractional constants (numbers), variables (alphabets) and algebraic operators (such as addition, subtraction, division, multiplication, etc.) operating on them. Also, these expressions are expressed in the form of term, factor and coefficient. A coefficient is the numerical factor of a term containing constant and variables
Term: Each expression is made up of terms. A term can be a signed number, a variable, or a constant multiplied by a variable or variables. A term can be a number, a variable, product of two or more variables or product of a number and a variable.
Factor: Something which is multiplied by something else. A factor can be a number, variable, term, or a longer expression. The numbers or variables that are multiplied to form a term are called its factors.
Therefore, the expression \[2x - 3\] has three factors: \[2,\;x, - 3\] and two terms: \[2x,{\text{ }}3\]

Note: Coefficient: The numerical factor of a multiplication expression that contains a variable.
Constant: A number that cannot change its value. In the expression \[2x + 9\], the term \[9\] is a constant.
Like Terms: Terms that contain the same variables. If an expression has more than one constant term, those are also like terms.