Identify terms in an expression

A term is a number, variable, or product of numbers and variables that is separated from other terms by addition or subtraction; multiplication within a term does not create additional terms. In $4x+3y-7$ , the terms are $4x$ , $3y$ , and $7$ , with the subtraction sign indicating that $7$ is subtracted (or viewed as $-7$ ); this understanding supports identifying coefficients and constants without extending to polynomial degree, rational expressions, or more advanced algebraic forms.

Detailed Explanation: Identify terms in an expression

A term is a number, a variable, or numbers and variables multiplied together. Terms are separated by addition or subtraction signs.

Multiplication does not separate terms. For example, $4x$ is one term because $4$ and $x$ are multiplied.

Example

Identify the terms in

4x+3y-7

Step 1: Look for the addition and subtraction signs.

The expression has:

a $+$ sign between $4x$ and $3y$
a $-$ sign before $7$

These signs separate the expression into terms.

Step 2: Name each term, including its sign.

The terms are:

4x,\qquad 3y,\qquad -7

So, $4x$ and $3y$ are terms made of numbers and variables. The number $7$ is also a term; because it is being subtracted, we can write it as $-7$ .

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Algebraic Function Variable Substitution - Simple Terms

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