Chapter 5

Chapter Objective:

* Algebraic expressions can be used to describe situations and solve real-world problems.

Vocabulary:

Number pattern - An ordered list of numbers that usually follows a rule.  Ex: 1, 3, 5, 7 is a pattern whose rule is to "add 2 to a term to get the next term".

Term * A number, variable, number or quotient in an algebraic expression. Ex:  x,  1,  3x,  2 are terms of the expression: x + 1 + 3x + 2.

         * One number in a sequence or number pattern.

Variable - A symbol, usually a letter, used to represent a number in an expression or an equation. In the expression, m + 11, m is the variable. 

Numerical expression - An expression that only contains numbers and symbols.

Evaluate - To find the value of.

Algebraic expression - An expression that contains at least one variable. Ex: 2x,  3 - x,  5 + x  are algebraic expressions in terms of x. 

Simplify - To find an equivalent expression that is simpler than the original.

Like terms - In the expression a + 2a + 2, the like terms are a and 2a.

Inequality -  A mathematical statement that two expressions are not the same or equal.

Equation - A mathematical statement that two expressions are the same or equal.

Solve - To work out a solution; To find the value of the variable that will make an equation true.