Linear Expression
In algebra, a linear expression is a mathematical expression that combines variables and constants using only addition, subtraction, and multiplication. The variables are raised to a power of 1, which means they are not squared or cubed.
3x + 2y is an Example of a Linear Expression
The expression 3x + 2y is a great example of a linear expression. It consists of two variables, x and y, and two constants, 3 and 2. The variables are combined using addition, and each variable has a coefficient (a number multiplied by the variable).
Characteristics of a Linear Expression
A linear expression has the following characteristics:
Variables are Raised to the Power of 1
In a linear expression, each variable is raised to the power of 1. This means that the variable is not squared, cubed, or raised to any other power.
Only Addition, Subtraction, and Multiplication are Used
Linear expressions only use addition, subtraction, and multiplication to combine variables and constants.
Coefficients are Multiples of the Variables
In a linear expression, each variable has a coefficient, which is a number multiplied by the variable.
Examples of Linear Expressions
Here are a few more examples of linear expressions:
- 2x + 5
- x - 3y
- 4x + 2
- x + y + z
These expressions all meet the characteristics of a linear expression: variables are raised to the power of 1, only addition, subtraction, and multiplication are used, and coefficients are multiples of the variables.
