How to Write an Algebraic Expression
Make sure that an expression is what you want., Identify any variables or unknowns that the expression requires. , Define any variables, constants, or functions used in the expression., Indicate if any of symbols have a restricted domain., For a...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Make sure that an expression is what you want.
Expressions differ from other related concepts such as equations, formulas, and identities.
Each of these is represented by two expressions separated by an equal sign. -
Step 2: Identify any variables or unknowns that the expression requires.
, Ensure that each symbol is used for only one thing.
That is, don't use i to refer to the imaginary unit, the index of a summation symbol, and a variable electric current in the same expression. , If the expression expects p to be prime and t to be a real number between 0 and 1, then be sure to say so.
The expression at the right can't be simplified in general, but if the problem it came from required that s is odd and u is either +1 or
-1, then it simplifies to
1. , Otherwise you may be able to build a more complicated expression from a simpler one if the convenient variables are unavailable and must be calculated.
The expression on the right is equivalent to rate times time, but rate had to be computed from the average of two other rates and time computed from the difference between two times. ,, The expression shown to the right is well formed, but cannot represent anything meaningful about a triangle with side lengths a, b, and c.
This is because each variable has dimension length.
Length can't be added to length squared, and logarithms only operate on dimensionless quantities. , TeX is the industry standard for publishing technical writing and an implementation of it was used to produce the images appearing in this article. -
Step 3: Define any variables
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Step 4: constants
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Step 5: or functions used in the expression.
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Step 6: Indicate if any of symbols have a restricted domain.
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Step 7: For a simple expression like distance equals rate times time
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Step 8: you may just be able to write down the expression as soon as the relevant variables have been identified.
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Step 9: Simplify the expression if needed.
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Step 10: Do a dimensional analysis of the expression to see if it makes sense.
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Step 11: Typeset the expression.
Detailed Guide
Expressions differ from other related concepts such as equations, formulas, and identities.
Each of these is represented by two expressions separated by an equal sign.
, Ensure that each symbol is used for only one thing.
That is, don't use i to refer to the imaginary unit, the index of a summation symbol, and a variable electric current in the same expression. , If the expression expects p to be prime and t to be a real number between 0 and 1, then be sure to say so.
The expression at the right can't be simplified in general, but if the problem it came from required that s is odd and u is either +1 or
-1, then it simplifies to
1. , Otherwise you may be able to build a more complicated expression from a simpler one if the convenient variables are unavailable and must be calculated.
The expression on the right is equivalent to rate times time, but rate had to be computed from the average of two other rates and time computed from the difference between two times. ,, The expression shown to the right is well formed, but cannot represent anything meaningful about a triangle with side lengths a, b, and c.
This is because each variable has dimension length.
Length can't be added to length squared, and logarithms only operate on dimensionless quantities. , TeX is the industry standard for publishing technical writing and an implementation of it was used to produce the images appearing in this article.
About the Author
Edward Peterson
Dedicated to helping readers learn new skills in practical skills and beyond.
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