1.1 Variables and Expressions Definition of terms: 1 ). A variable is a letter or symbol used to represent a value that can change. 2). A constant is a value that does not change. 3). A numerical expression may contain only constants and/or operations. 4). An algebraic expression may contain variables, constants, and/or operations. 5). To evaluate an expression is to find its value.

REAL #sIMAGINARY #s

Translating Algebraic Symbols to Words: Plus, sum, Increased by Minus, Difference, Less than Times, product, Equal groups of Divided by, Quotient Examples: 1). The sum of x and 3. 2). 4 less than m. 3). The product of 3 and a number. 4). The quotient of k and 6

Words Into Algebraic Expressions: Put together, Combine Find how much less or more Put together equal groups Separate into equal groups Example: Sam is 2 years younger than Sue, who is y years old. Write an expression for Sam’s age. y represents Sue’s age Think: “younger than” means “less than”