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Lesson 5 of 17

Algebraic terminology

I can correctly identify: term, coefficient, factor, product, expression, formula, identity and equation.

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Lesson 5 of 17
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Algebraic terminology

I can correctly identify: term, coefficient, factor, product, expression, formula, identity and equation.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Words you have used to describe numbers can also be used in algebra like factor and product.
  2. It is important to be able to use the words term and coefficient correctly.
  3. Knowing the difference between an expression, a formula, an equation and identity can help you speak mathematically.

Keywords

  • Identity - An identity is an equation that holds true for all values of the variables. The symbol ≡ is used to show two expressions form an identity.

  • Formula - A formula is a rule linking sets of physical variables in context. The plural of formula is formulae.

  • Coefficient - A numerical coefficient is a constant multiplier of the variables in a term.

  • Constant - A constant is a term that does not change; it contains no variables.

Common misconception

Pupils may think the coefficient of b in a-2b is 2 instead of -2 .

Show subtraction as addition of a negative value. This can be done with negative algebra tiles.

You may wish to get students to explore as many factor pairs of a term as they can. Highlight the need for systematic listing to show that all have been found.
Teacher tip

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Select the expression which is the same as $$1+-3$$

$$1+3$$
Correct answer: $$1-3$$
$$1--3$$
$$-1+3$$

Q2.
Select any numbers which are factors of 11

Correct answer: 1
10
Correct answer: 11
22
121

Q3.
In the expression $$4x+2y-5+x^2$$ there are four __________

Correct answer: terms
variables
factors
exponents

Q4.
Select any expressions which are the same as $$y$$

$$0\times y$$
$$1+y$$
Correct answer: $$1y$$
Correct answer: $$y\times 1$$
Correct answer: $$y+0$$

Q5.
Izzy says the factors of 18 are 1, 2, 3, 6, 18. Which factor has she missed out?

Correct Answer: 9, nine

Q6.
Which is the correct way of writing $$x\times x\times x\times x\times y\times y$$?

$$x^2y^2$$
$$x^2x^2y^2$$
Correct answer: $$x^4y^2$$
$$xy^6$$
$$xy^8$$

Assessment exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
In the expression $$4y+0.5-3x$$, what is the coefficient of $$x$$?

Correct Answer: -3, negative three, negative 3

Q2.
What is the constant term in the expression $$4y+0.5-3x$$?

Correct Answer: 0.5, +0.5

Q3.
Select any terms which are factors of $$16x^2y$$

Correct answer: 8
$$10y$$
Correct answer: $$2xy$$
$$4y^2$$
Correct answer: $$16x^2y$$

Q4.
Select any algebraic statements which are written correctly as identities.

Correct answer: $$a+a+a\equiv 3a$$
$$a+3\equiv 10$$
$$A\equiv{1\over 2}bh$$
$$x+x+x\equiv 3y$$
Correct answer: $$b+b+b+a\times a\equiv 3b+a\times a$$

Q5.
Match up the type of algebraic statement with their key features

Correct Answer:An equation,shows two expressions are equal in some cases. Contains$$=$$

shows two expressions are equal in some cases. Contains$$=$$

Correct Answer:An expression,contains 1 or more terms and no equals sign

contains 1 or more terms and no equals sign

Correct Answer:A formula,shows the relationship between multiple variables

shows the relationship between multiple variables

Correct Answer:An identity,shows two expressions are always equal. Contains $$\equiv$$

shows two expressions are always equal. Contains $$\equiv$$

Q6.
Select the missing factor in the product $$ 5p\times$$ __________$$=15p^2q$$

3
$$3p$$
Correct answer: $$3pq$$
$$3p^2$$
$$3p^2q$$

Lesson appears in

UnitMaths / Expressions and equations

Maths

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