Parts of an Expression
Aligned to A-SSE.A.1 — Common Core State Standards for Mathematics.
What this lesson teaches
An expression is built from terms separated by + or −. Each term has a coefficient (its number factor) and variables. Reading these parts tells you what each piece means in context.
Worked examples
Example 1
In the cost expression 15n + 40, the term 15n means $15 per item for n items, and 40 is a fixed $40 fee. The coefficient 15 is the cost per item.
Example 2
In A = P(1 + r)^t, the factor (1 + r) is one whole plus the growth rate — that is why it multiplies rather than adds.
Example 3
A coefficient and an exponent answer different questions. In 3x², the 3 scales and the 2 shapes.
Practice questions
- In 8x + 25, identify the coefficient and the constant term.
- The expression 0.05s + 200 gives a paycheck. What does the 0.05 represent?
- List the terms and coefficients in 3a − 7b + 2.
Watch the lesson
Every lesson comes with a video taught in English and Spanish — the same video the QR code in the printed workbook opens.
▶ Watch this lessonEn español
Partes de una Expresión
Una expresión se forma con términos separados por + o −. Cada término tiene un coeficiente (su factor numérico) y variables. Leer estas partes te dice qué significa cada pieza en el contexto.
Ejemplo 1: En la expresión de costo 15n + 40, el término 15n significa $15 por artículo para n artículos, y 40 es una cuota fija de $40. El coeficiente 15 es el costo por artículo.
Ejemplo 2: En A = P(1 + r)^t, el factor (1 + r) es un entero más la tasa de crecimiento — por eso multiplica en vez de sumar.
Ejemplo 3: Un coeficiente y un exponente responden preguntas distintas. En 3x², el 3 escala y el 2 da la forma.
More Algebra lessons
Teach this lesson today
An AI tutor that guides with questions instead of just giving answers — all K–12 core subjects, every child in the family.
Start free — no card required