Grade 6

Algebraic Expression & Properties Vocabulary

Expression: a set of numbers that are related to one another by the use of operator symbols that represent a mathematical situation

Has no equal sign Can only be simplified, unless given the value

of the variable(s)

4x + 3 – 12 + 7y

What is an Expression?

Variables: is a letter or symbol that represents a number

Coefficient: is the number before the variable that expresses how many of each variable there are.

They explain how many of that variable the term contains

Term: is either a single number of variable or the product of several numbers or variables, separated from another term by plus or minus sign in an overall expression

Constant: is a value that does not change; stands only.

Algebraic Expressions

3a + 4y – 6 Terms: 3a, 4y, and 6

Variables: a & y

Coefficients: 3 & 4 ( 3 a’s and 4 y’s ) (value may change depending on the values of the variables)

Constant: 6 (value will always be six)

Algebraic Expression

Distributive Property: the property that states if you multiply a sum by a number, you will get the same result if you multiply each addend by that number and then add the products (multiply the number outside the parentheses to each term inside)

Commutative Property: the property that states that two or more numbers can be added (or multiplied) in any order without changing the sum (or product)

Associative Property: the property that states for three or more numbers, their sum (or product) is always the same, regardless of grouping

Properties

Distributive Property

Associative Property

Properties Example

• Commutative Property

2 + 3 = 3 + 2

6(5) = 5(6)

Additive Identity: any amount plus zero is itself

Multiplicative Identity: any amount multiplied by one is itself

Properties (cont.)

Let’s see if you can name the property that is being shown (distributive, commutative, associative):

3 + a = a + 3 5(10 – x) = 50 – 5x

5ab = ab5 3 x 4 x 9 = 4 x 3 x 9

A + b + c = b + c + a 4(x + 3) = 4x + 12

(3 x 2) x 8 = 3 x (2 x 8) 4y + 8 = 4(y+2)

Name that Property: