What is an algebra expression?

Answer 1

An algebraic expression is technically any mathematical form that contains a variable.

An expression is algebraic if it involves a finite combination of numbers and/or variables and algebraic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, or exponentiation [raising to a power]). Fractional exponentiation is equivalent to extracting a root. For example: sqr(9) = 9^(1/2) = 3.

Following are four examples of expressions:

9^(1/2)

5 + 2

x/y

[-b ± (b2 - 4ac)^(1/2)]/2a

Equations contain an "=" (equals) sign. Expressions do not.

Two important types of equations are:

• linear equations : y = mx + b
• quadratic equations: y = ax2 + bx + c

Answer 2

Al algebraic expression is a collection of terms which may be related by other mathematical operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, exponentiation and so on. It is often to be found on one side of an equation or formula.