Algebraic Terms in Two or More Unknowns
Algebraic Terms in Two or More Unknowns
Algebraic Terms in Two or More Unknowns
1. An algebraic term in two or more unknowns is a product of the unknowns with a number.
Example:
5xy = 5 x x x y
Therefore, 5xy is the product.
2. The term mª implies that the unknown m is multiplied a times by itself. This is known as
repetitive multiplication of an unknown.
Example:
k³ = k x k x k
k is multiplied 3 times.
3. Normally, the product of the unknowns number is expressed without the mutiplication
symbol.
6pqr = 6 x p x q x r
4. The coefficient of an unknown in an algebraic term is the factor of the algebraic term.
Example:
2xy
2 is the coefficient of xy
2. The quotient of two algebraic terms can be found using the cancellation method.
Example 2:
40xy²z ÷ 8xy = 5yz
→we can cancel x and y
4. Combinations of algebraic terms in two or more unknowns will produce algebraic expression
in two or more unknowns.
Example 2:
Algebraic expression in two unknowns → 3mn - mn; 10xy + 2xy
Algebraic expression in more than two unknowns → 2ab - 3mn + 4xy; a² + 2ab +cd³.
5. Only expression with similar term can be adding or subtracting the coefficient of the
unknowns
Example 4:
6mn-4pq = 6mn - 4pq
* This term can not be subtracted because the unknowns is different (unlike terms)
7. The expression can be evaluated when the unknowns is substituted with the given number.
Example 5:
Find the value of 3mn² + 2p²q - mp; given that m=1, n=2, p=-1 and q=-2
Firstly, we subtitute all the unknowns into the expression, its becomes:
3(1)(2)² + 2(-1)²(-1) - (1)(-1)
=12 - 2 + 1
= 11 * The answer is 11 after the calculation
Tutorials (2):
1. (-4a²b) ÷ 3b²c² x 9ac 2. 3pq x 6rp²q