Associative Property Algebraic Expression the sum (or product) of a set of numbers is the same no matter how the numbers are grouped a mathematical phrase involving at least one variable and sometimes numbers and operation symbols Example: 3 + (2 + 1) = (3 + 2) + 1 Examples of Expressions: Commutative Property the sum (or product) of a group of numbers is the same regardless of the order in which the numbers are arranged Example: 3 2 = 2 3 5x + 2, x – y, r + y2 Order of Operations the rules to be followed when simplifying expressions Like Terms terms in an algebraic expression that have the same variable raised to the same power Example: 5x3 and 12x3 are like terms. Example: Simplify 4 + 3 2 4 + 3 2 = 4 + 6 = 10 Coefficient a number multiplied by a variable in an algebraic expression Example: The coefficient of 6x2 is 6 because 6 is the number that is being multiplied by x2 Exponent the number of times a number or expression is used as a factor of repeated multiplication Example: 23 = 2 2 2 =8 Variable vs. Constant a letter or symbol a quantity that used to represent a does not number or quantity change its that varies value Variable Constant Term