Identify how many terms.

Question

How many terms would be in (9x-4) + 3.21?

Answer 1

In Algebra a term is one or more numbers and variables multiplied together, such as 3xy or 7. Terms are separated by + or − signs. As written, the expression (9x-4) + 3.21 has three terms: 9x, -4, and 3.21. The -4 and 3.21 are like terms and can be combined into one term:

(9x - 4) + 3.21

9x - 4 + 3.21

9x - 1.79

The simplified expression has two terms, 9x and -1.79.