7th Grade · Expressions & Equations

Term

7.EE.A.1

Definition

A single number, variable, or product of numbers and variables in an expression. Terms are separated by addition and subtraction signs.

Examples

  • 5x² - 3x + 7 has 3 terms — a trinomial.
  • In 5x², the coefficient is 5, the variable is x, and the exponent is 2.

Key rule

Count the + and - signs separating terms; that number plus 1 equals the number of terms.

Memory hook

Terms split apart at + and - signs.