Problem 72 - Introductory Algebra for College Students

Question

Identify the terms in each algebraic expression. $$8 a-7 a b-13$$

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The terms of the algebraic expression \(8a - 7ab - 13\) are \(8a\), \(-7ab\) and \(-13\).

Step 1: Identify the first term

The terms of an algebraic expression are separated by '+' or '-'. So, looking at the given expression \(8a - 7ab - 13\), the first term is \(8a\), which is a monomial.

Step 2: Identify the second term

Continuing from step 1, notice the '-' operator separating the terms. The second term of the given expression is \(-7ab\). This can be treated as a whole single term because there is no '+' or '-' sign between the '7', 'a' and 'b'.

Step 3: Identify the third term

Lastly, continuing from the previous step, we find that the third term is \(-13\). This term is a constant which is a special kind of term. Constants are also considered as individual terms in an algebraic expression.