A term in math is a single number, variable, or the product of numbers and variables that form part of a mathematical expression. Terms are the pieces separated by plus (+) or minus (-) signs in an expression. For instance, in the expression 3+4x+5yzw3+4x+5yzw3+4x+5yzw, the terms are 3, 4x4x4x, and 5yzw5yzw5yzw. In algebra, terms can be constants (fixed numbers like 9), variables (like xxx), or combinations of both multiplied together (like 8x8x8x or 11yz11yz11yz). In polynomials, a term is often a monomial with a coefficient, such as 3x23x^23x2 or 5x5x5x. Terms can also appear in other mathematical contexts such as functions and logic. For example, in a function like f(x)=3x2+2x+5f(x)=3x^2+2x+5f(x)=3x2+2x+5, each part separated by plus signs is a term. In logic, a term denotes a mathematical object formed by constants, variables, and operators. In summary:
- A term is a component of an algebraic expression separated by addition or subtraction.
- It can be a number, a variable, or a product of numbers and variables.
- Terms combine through addition or subtraction to form expressions or polynomials.
- Factors are the parts multiplied within a term.
- A coefficient is the numerical part of a term that multiplies the variable(s).
Examples:
- 7x−97x-97x−9 has two terms: 7x7x7x and −9-9−9.
- 11yz11yz11yz is a term with factors 11, yyy, and zzz.
This concept helps in understanding and working with expressions, equations, and functions in math. Would you like examples or more details on how terms are used in specific areas of math? This explanation consolidates information from multiple sources on the definition and use of "term" in mathematics.
