Note:
When a number and a pronumeral are multiplied together, then the
multiplication sign is usually omitted.
Example 1
Write the following in a simpler form:
Solution:
Note:
In part d above, we let 1m = m. When you see a pronumeral
like m without a number preceding it, the number 1 is
understood to precede the pronumeral.
Note:
When multiplying numbers with pronumerals, we always write the numbers in
front of the letters.
Example 2
Write the following in a simpler form:
Solution:
Coefficient of a Pronumeral
The number in front of the pronumeral represents how many lots of the
pronumeral there are. This number is said to be the coefficient
of the pronumeral.
For example, in 10x the coefficient of x is 10 and in 5y
the coefficient of y is 5.
Terms
The product of a number and a pronumeral
forms a term. Such a term is also known as an algebraic term.
Terms
often include pronumerals but may also be a number called a constant
term.
Examples of terms include 4a, c, 5, 9, 5b, 8p,
15q, 20r, 26, n, 14x, 40y, 56z and
28v.
Note the following:
- The product of a number and different pronumerals is also called a term.
E.g. 4ab, 5bc, 8pqr, 14xy, 40yz, 56xyz
and 28uv are all terms.
- The fraction formed by a number and a pronumeral or pronumerals is
also called a term.
Example 3
State the coefficient of x in each of the following:
a. 12x
b. 25x
Solution:
a. The coefficient of x is 12.
b. The coefficient of x is 25.
Key Terms
coefficient of a pronumeral, term, algebraic
term, constant
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