Understands and applies algebraic expressions
An algebraic expression is an expression involving variables without equality or inequality, such as x2 - 3x - 4. Algebraic expressions, equations, and functions are compared and contrasted in the following table.
| Algebra Essential Topic | Example |
|---|---|
| Algebraic Expressions | x2 - 3x - 4 |
| Equations (and Inequalities) | x2 - 3x - 4 = 0 |
| Functions | x2 - 3x - 4 = y |
Algebraic expressions often arise when modeling situations. Students should understand and use algebraic expressions based on "symbol sense," that is, the ability to connect algebraic forms to numeric, graphic, and contextual interpretations and implications. Students' symbol sense builds on their number sense. Symbol sense allows students to represent situations with algebraic expressions and interpret expressions in terms of the situation. Students with symbol sense should meaningfully manipulate algebraic expressions to get equivalent forms by simplifying, factoring, expanding, composing, decomposing, using order of operations, and applying properties of real numbers.