Identify Terms, Coefficients, and Constants

What to look for

An algebraic expression is built from terms separated by + or −. Each term may contain numbers, variables, or both.

1) Identify the terms

First, split the expression into parts using the + and − signs. Be careful: the sign in front of a term belongs to that term.

Example idea: in 3x - 5 + 2y, the terms are 3x, -5, and 2y.

2) Find the coefficients

A coefficient is the number multiplying a variable.

• In 7x, the coefficient is 7.
• In -4ab, the coefficient is -4.
• If a variable appears alone, its coefficient is usually 1 or -1.

3) Find the constant

A constant is a term with no variable. Examples: 8, -12, 1/2.

4) Check your work

Make sure every part of the expression is labeled correctly:

• terms = all pieces separated by + or −
• coefficients = numerical factors on variable terms
• constants = numbers without variables

If the task asks you to simplify after identifying parts, combine like terms only when they have the same variable part.

Quick self-check

Ask: “Does this piece have a variable?” If yes, it is not a constant. If no, it is a constant.