In my Algebra class I am working with rational expression. I know it is important to understand the differnce between a factor and a term of an expression. Can someone give me the definition for both and explain to me the difference between the two? Thanks.
My Thomas book says integrate
ds = sqrt (dx^2 + dy^2)
= sqrt (1 + (dy/dx)^2)dx
A factor is a number or an algebraic expression that divides another expression evenly without leaving any remainder. In other words, if a polynomial expression can be written as a product of two or more expressions, each of these expressions is a factor. For example, in the expression 2x^2 + 4x, the factors are 2 and x.
A term, on the other hand, is a single part of an expression separated by addition or subtraction. It can be a number, a variable, or a combination of both. Every expression is made up of one or more terms. For example, in the expression 3x^2 + 5xy - 2, the terms are 3x^2, 5xy, and -2.
The difference between factors and terms is that factors are the parts into which an expression can be factored, while terms are the individual components of an expression separated by addition or subtraction.
To find the factors of an expression, you need to determine what numbers or algebraic expressions can be multiplied together to obtain the original expression.
To identify the terms within an expression, you can look for the parts separated by addition or subtraction symbols. Each of these parts will be considered a term.
By understanding the difference between factors and terms, you can better manipulate and simplify algebraic expressions in your rational expressions problems.