Definition
Algebraic expression
A math phrase that includes at least one variable and may also use numbers and operations.
What it means
Think of it as a calculation rule with a letter standing for a number. In 5n + 2, the value changes when n changes: multiply n by 5, then add 2. The expression tells what to calculate; it does not say that two quantities are equal.
Remember it
An expression is a math phrase. An algebraic expression is the kind with a variable.
Example
A game gives 6 points for each star and 2 bonus points. If s is the number of stars, 6s + 2 is the algebraic expression for the score. For s = 4, its value is 26.
Watch for
6s + 2 = 26 is an equation, not just an expression, because it includes an equals sign.
Common mix-up
A variable can change or represent any allowed number; it is not always one fixed mystery value.
Exact meaning
An algebraic expression is a mathematical expression that contains at least one variable and may also contain numbers, grouping symbols, and operation signs. It does not include a relation sign such as =, <, or > as part of the expression.