Terms in Algebra
(KS2, Year 6)

A term is a collection of numbers, letters and brackets all multiplied together. Terms are separated by + or - signs in an algebraic expression.

Real Examples of Terms in Algebra

It is easier to understand terms with examples.

• A term can be a number:
  
  
• A term can be a letter:
  
  The letter can be a variable (that can take any value) or it can be a constant (that only has one value).
• A term can have a number and a letter together:
  
  The number is multiplying the letter. 2 is the coefficient of x.
• A term can have two or more letters next to each other:
  
  In this case, the letters are mutiplying each other.
• A term can have letters which have an exponent.
  
  An exponent tells you how many times that letter is multiplied with itself
• A term can contain brackets next to other numbers and letters:
  
  The parentheses muliply the rest of the term.

how to mulitply letters

Terms in an Expression in Algebra

Terms are separated by + and - signs in an expression.

Expressions are built from terms that are added or subtracted together.

What Is Algebra?

Algebra comes from the Arabic word 'al-jebr', meaning "reunion of broken parts".

Factors of a Term

A term is made by multiplying numbers, letters and brackets together. Each number, letter and bracket that is multiplied to make the term is a factor of that term. Learn more about factors in algebra

Like Terms

Terms that have the same combination of letters are called "like terms". For example, x, 3x, ½x are all like terms. Also, xy², 5xy², ¼xy² are all like terms. Number terms, like 2, 6 and -1 are also like terms. This is useful when we want to "collect like terms" in order to simplify an expression.

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