Question

I'm trying to know the difference between "term" and factor"

Please explain thoroughly, step by step on the difference between the two in math


Below is an expression to use to help explain

5a + 2b + c

Answer 1

Terms are the parts of an expression separated by addition or subtraction, and factors are the elements multiplied within each term.

Explanation:

Term

In algebra, terms are a single mathematical expressions separated by addition or subtraction. As term can be a number, a variable, or a product of numbers and variables.

In the expression 5a + 2b + c, there are 3 terms. They are 5a, 2b and c.

• 5a is the product of the coefficient 5 and the variable a.
• 2b is the product of the coefficient 2 and the variable b.
• c is a single variable term.

Factor

A factor is a part of a term that is multiplied by another part. In the context of a term, a factor can be a numerical coefficient or a variable.

• In the term 5a, 5 and a are factors.
• In the term 2b, 2 and b are factors.
• In the term c, c is the only factor.

Summary

So, in summary, terms are the parts of an expression separated by addition or subtraction, and factors are the elements multiplied within each term.