Algebraic Expressions –
Introduction Lesson 3.1 Big Ideas
How can you determine the parts of
an algebraic expression?
Start-Up Activity – Discuss with a
partner for a few minutes.
Similarity
• Just like a newspaper article, there are
necessary parts to an algebraic expression.
• An expression must include numbers,
operations and one or more symbols.
Important to Note!
• Each term must be separated by either a
+ (Addition) or – (Subtraction) sign.
• Answer to Addition Problem = Sum (uses terms)
• Answer to Subtraction Problem = Difference (Uses terms)
• Answer to Multiplication Problem = Product (Uses
factors)
• Answer to Division Problem = Quotient
(uses
factors)
Example 1
Extra Example
Mini Assessment
Answers
Describing an Expression in Words
• 18 ÷ 3
• 8+7
The quotient of 18 and 3
The sum of the terms 8 and 7
• 5 (6-2)
The product of the factors 5 and 6 – 2.
Because there are parenthesis around 6 - 2,
it is considered one factor.
• 4 + (6 ÷ 3)
The sum of the terms 4 and 6 ÷ 3.
There are just two terms because of
the parenthesis.
Summary
• What are the parts to an algebraic expression?
We will be working more with expressions and
evaluating them in the coming weeks.