What you’ll learn
Interpret terms, factors and coefficients.
Key idea
A term is an addend, a coefficient is its numerical factor, and diagram component areas preserve these roles.
A term is a complete signed addend; its numerical coefficient is not its variable factor or full area contribution.
Worked example
Classify examples and non-examples for the concept 'Interpret terms, factors and coefficients'.
In 2x²+3x+7, classify 2x² as a complete term or only a numerical coefficient; identify the coefficient as evidence.
- Signed additive terms are 2x², 3x and 7; 2 is the numerical factor of 2x².
- In the area diagram 2 x-by-x squares give 2x²; 3 x-by-one strips give 3x and 7 unit squares give 7.
Answer: 2x² is a term with coefficient 2 — it is a whole addend.
Quick Check
Classify examples and non-examples for the concept 'Interpret terms, factors and coefficients'.
In 2x²+6x+5, classify 2x² as a complete term or only a numerical coefficient; identify the coefficient as evidence.