Easy Algebra Step-by-Step

84 Easy Algebra Step-by-Step

b. 3 x^5

Step 1. There are no plus or minus symbols, so the expression is a term.

The term is 3 x^5.

A monomial is a special type of term that when sim-

plifi ed is a constant or a product of one or more variables

raised to nonnegative integer powers, with or without an

explicit coeffi cient.

Problem Specify whether the term is a monomial. Explain your answer.

a. − 8 xy^3

b.

5

2 x^2

c. 0

d. 3 x^5

e. 27

f. 4 xy−^323

g. 6 x

Solution

a. − 8 xy^3

Step 1. Check whether − 8 xy^3 meets the criteria for a monomial.

−^8

xy^3 is a term that is a product of variables raised to positive integer

powers, with an explicit coeffi cient of −8, so it is a monomial.

b.

5

2 x^2

Step 1. Check whether

5

2 x^2

meets the criteria for a monomial.

5

2 x^2

is a term, but it contains division by a variable, so it is not a

monomial.

c. 0

Step 1. Check whether 0 meets the criteria for a monomial.

0 is a constant, so it is a monomial.

In monomials, no

variable divisors, negative

exponents, or fractional

exponents are allowed.