Expressions and equations

Question 1

Coefficient

Answer 1

Normally the number part of an algebra term.
Example: in 4x, 4 is the coefficient.

Question 2

Expression

Answer 2

A mathematical form expressed symbolically.

Examples: 7+3; a^2+b^2

Question 3

Product

Answer 3

The result of multiplying one number by another.

Example: The product of 2 and 3 is 6 since 2 × 3 = 6.

Question 4

Algebra

Answer 4

The part of mathematics that deals with generalised arithmetic. Letters are used to denote variables and unknown numbers and to state general properties.

Question 5

Simplify

Answer 5

To make something into its simplest form

Example: 3a + 4a = 7a

Question 6

Highest Common Factor (HCF)

Answer 6

The common factor of two or more numbers which has the highest value.

Example: 16 has factors 1, 2, 4, 8, 16. 24 has factors 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24. 56 has factors 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 14, 28, 56. The common factors of 16, 24 and 56 are 1, 2, 4 and 8. Their highest common factor is 8.

Question 7

Factorise

Answer 7

To express a number or polynomial as the product of its factors.

Example: Factorising 4y - 20 = 4 x (y-4)

Question 8

Equation

Answer 8

A mathematical statement showing that two expressions are equal. The expressions are linked with the symbol =

Question 9

Inverse operations

Answer 9

Operations that, when they are combined, leave the entity on which they operate unchanged.

Examples: addition and subtraction are inverse operations e.g. 5 + 6 - 6 = 5. Multiplication and division are inverse operations e.g. 6 x 10 ÷ 10 = 6.