Algebraic Expressions Worksheets

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 05:21 PM IST

Two or more algebraic expressions use the comparator signs among themselves to become an algebraic equation or an algebraic identity. There are various algebraic identities that are helpful in solving problems on simplifications and expansions. All these algebraic standard formats display the commonly used mathematical operators. They represent the mathematical statements in terms of the common operations of division, multiplication, addition, subtraction, and exponentiation. For example, 5{{x}^{2}}-2xy+c , is an algebraic expression.

This Story also Contains

What Are Mathematical Expressions?
What Are Algebraic Expressions?
What Are Equations?
What Are Algebraic Equations?
What Are Identities?
What Are Algebraic Identities?
What Are The Properties of Algebraic Identities?
What Are Algebraic Polynomials?
Chart Of Identities Of Factorization Of Polynomials
Chart Of Algebraic Identities

Let us explore this article to realize the concept of “algebraic expressions” clearly.

What Are Mathematical Expressions?

The term “mathematical expression” implies a symbolic presentation of any valid mathematical statement, which may include any combination of mathematical operations like division, multiplication, addition, subtraction, and exponentiation as indicated by the corresponding mathematical operators.

The following are examples of mathematical expressions.

\begin{aligned}

& 1) \sqrt{3}+2 \\

& 2) a x^2+b \\

& 3) y^3+3

\end{aligned}

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What Are Algebraic Expressions?

The mathematical expression that contains “algebraic Variables”, “coefficients”, and “constants” in any combination is called an “algebraic expression.

Get a clear idea with the following examples.

The mathematical expression \[\sqrt{3}+2\] is not an “algebraic expression” but a numeric expression.
The mathematical expressions \[a{{x}^{2}}+b,\ \ {{y}^{3}}+3\] are all “algebraic expressions”.

What Are Equations?

Suppose, you use the “equal to symbol” represented as “=” to unite any two expressions. The resulting mathematical entity is what you call an “equation”. An equation, basically, tells that two expressions on either side of the “=” are equivalent.

The following are examples of equations.

\begin{aligned}

&1) \sqrt{3} \tan \theta+2=\cos \alpha \\

& 2) a x^2+b=c \\

& 3) y^3=3 \\

& 4) \cos ^3 \theta+3=\sin ^2 \theta

\end{aligned}

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What Are Algebraic Equations?

Suppose, you use the “equal to sign” symbolized as “=” to unite any two algebraic expressions or an algebraic expression to any constant. The subsequent mathematical entity is what you declare an “algebraic equation”. An algebraic equation, actually suggests that the terms on either side of the “=” are equivalent.

Get a clear idea with the next examples.

The mathematical equations \[\sqrt{3}\tan \theta +2=\cos \alpha ,\ \ {{\cos }^{3}}\theta +3={{\sin }^{2}}\theta \] are not “algebraic equations” but are “trigonometric equations”.
The mathematical equations \[a{{x}^{2}}+b=c,\ \ {{y}^{3}}=3\] are all “algebraic equations”.

What Are Identities?

Identities are those mathematical entities which are true for any value of the variables involved in one or both the expressions on either side of the “=”.

Following are examples of identities.

\begin{aligned}

& (a+b)^2=a^2+b^2+2 a b \\

& \cos ^2 \theta+\sin ^2 \theta=1

\end{aligned}

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What Are Algebraic Identities?

The identities which involve only the algebraic expressions and may contain coefficients of variables and constants are called “algebraic identities”.

Algebraic identities hold good for any value of the algebraic variables involved in one or both the expressions on either side of the “=”.

Get a perfect idea with the following examples.

The mathematical identity \[{{\cos }^{2}}\theta +{{\sin }^{2}}\theta =1\] is not an “algebraic identity” but a “trigonometric identity”.
The mathematical identity \[{{(a+b)}^{2}}={{a}^{2}}+{{b}^{2}}+2ab\] is an “algebraic identity”.

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What Are The Properties of Algebraic Identities?

The following are some of the properties of algebraic identities.

An algebraic identity does not have a finite number of solutions, as it holds good for an infinite number of values that you put in place of its variables.
The algebraic identities are used in the simplification of algebraic polynomials.
The algebraic identities may be used in the factorization of algebraic expression
The algebraic identities help in solving any algebraic equation.
The algebraic identities may be conditional also. For example \[{{a}^{3}}+{{b}^{3}}+{{c}^{3}}=3abc,\quad when\ \ a+b+c=0\]

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What Are Algebraic Polynomials?

Algebraic polynomials are those expressions or equations which involve only the non-negative integral power of variables of the algebraic expressions or equations but may contain any integral coefficients and constants.

Following are examples of algebraic polynomials.

\[{{(a+b)}^{3}},\ \ {{a}^{2}}+{{b}^{2}}+2ab,\ \ {{x}^{2}}+{{y}^{2}}+2\sqrt{3}\]

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Chart Of Identities Of Factorization Of Polynomials

As you can exploit the algebraic identities both to simplify and factorize the algebraic expressions, here is a quick reference to some of the algebraic identities that you can use for factorization of polynomials.

Algebraic Identities
Description	Formulae
Whole square of the sum of any two variables	\[{{(a+b)}^{2}}={{a}^{2}}+{{b}^{2}}+2ab\]
Whole square of the difference between any two variables.	\[{{(a-b)}^{2}}={{a}^{2}}+{{b}^{2}}-2ab\]
Difference between any two squares	\[{{a}^{2}}-{{b}^{2}}=\left( a+b \right)\left( a-b \right)\]
Whole square of the sum of any three variables	\[{{(a+b+c)}^{2}}={{a}^{2}}+{{b}^{2}}+{{c}^{2}}+2ab+2bc+2ca\]
Whole cube of the sum of any two variables	\[{{(a+b)}^{3}}={{a}^{3}}+{{b}^{3}}+3a{{b}^{2}}+3{{a}^{2}}b\]
Whole cube of the difference between any two variables.	\[{{(a-b)}^{3}}={{a}^{3}}-3{{a}^{2}}b+3a{{b}^{2}}-{{b}^{3}}\]
Sum of any two cubes	\[{{a}^{3}}+{{b}^{3}}=\left( a+b \right)\left( {{a}^{2}}-ab+{{b}^{2}} \right)\]
Difference between any two cubes	\[{{a}^{3}}-{{b}^{3}}=\left( a-b \right)\left( {{a}^{2}}+ab+{{b}^{2}} \right)\]
Whole cube of the sum of any three variables	\[{{(a+b+c)}^{3}}={{a}^{3}}+{{b}^{3}}+{{c}^{3}}+3\left( a+b \right)\left( b+c \right)\left( c+a \right)\]

Chart Of Algebraic Identities

The following are some of the algebraic identities that you will find useful for simplification of algebraic terms or factorization of an algebraic expression or solving any algebraic equation.

Algebraic Identities

\[(x+a)(x+b)={{x}^{2}}+\left( a+b \right)x+ab\]

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\[{{a}^{2}}+{{b}^{2}}+{{c}^{2}}-ab-bc-ca=\frac{1}{2}\left[ {{\left( a-b \right)}^{2}}+{{\left( b-c \right)}^{2}}+{{\left( c-a \right)}^{2}} \right]\]

1706528679102

\[{{a}^{4}}-{{b}^{4}}=\left( {{a}^{2}}+{{b}^{2}} \right)\left( a+b \right)\left( a-b \right)\]

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\[{{a}^{3}}+{{b}^{3}}+{{c}^{3}}-3abc=\frac{1}{2}(a+b+c)\left[ {{\left( a-b \right)}^{2}}+{{\left( b-c \right)}^{2}}+{{\left( c-a \right)}^{2}} \right]\]

1706528678737

\[{{a}^{4}}+{{a}^{2}}+1=\left( {{a}^{2}}+a+1 \right)\left( {{a}^{2}}-a+1 \right)\]

1706528679283

\\ a^3+b^3+c^3=3 a b c, when \ \ a+b+c=0 \\ a^3+b^3+c^3 \neq 3 a b c, when \ \ a+b+c \neq 0

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\[a-b=\left( \sqrt{a}+\sqrt{b} \right)\left( \sqrt{a}-\sqrt{b} \right),\ \ for\ a,b>0\]

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the basic difference between an algebraic expression and an algebraic equation?

An algebraic expression involves variables, arithmetic operators, and constants. On the other hand, an algebraic equation is what you get on writing two algebraic expressions using the "equal to" sign or relating an algebraic expression to any constant.

2. What are the laws of algebraic operations?

The basic rules of algebraic operations, which include addition, subtraction, division multiplication are as follows:

Associative law

\begin{aligned}

& x+(y+z)=(x+y)+z \\

& x \times(y \times z)=(x \times y) \times z

\end{aligned}

Commutativity law

\begin{aligned}

& x+y=y+x \\

& y \times z=z \times y

\end{aligned}

3. How an algebraic identity can be solved?

As such an algebraic identity cannot be solved. An algebraic identity can have an infinite number of values that you put in place of its variables. This is the essence of an algebraic identity that it is always true for any value of the variable.

4. What are the different types of identities?

Some of the different types of identities are

Algebraic Identities
Trigonometric Identities
Mensuration Identities
Geometric Identities

5. What is the basic difference between an algebraic identity and an algebraic equation?

An algebraic identity is true for all the values of its variables. An algebraic equation, if solvable, has a finite number of solutions.

6. How do you multiply algebraic expressions?

To multiply algebraic expressions, use the distributive property. Multiply each term of one expression by every term of the other expression, then combine like terms. For example, (x + 2)(x - 3) = x² - 3x + 2x - 6 = x² - x - 6.

7. What is the zero product property and how is it used in algebra?

The zero product property states that if the product of factors is zero, then at least one of the factors must be zero. This property is often used in solving equations. For example, in solving (x + 2)(x - 3) = 0, we can conclude that either x + 2 = 0 or x - 3 = 0.

8. How do you factor a perfect square trinomial?

A perfect square trinomial has the form a²x² + 2abx + b². To factor it, you write it as (ax + b)². For example, x² + 6x + 9 can be factored as (x + 3)².

9. What is the difference of squares formula?

The difference of squares formula states that a² - b² = (a + b)(a - b). This formula is useful for factoring expressions like x² - 16, which can be written as (x + 4)(x - 4).

10. How do you divide polynomials?

Polynomial division can be done using long division or synthetic division. Long division involves dividing the terms of the dividend by the divisor, subtracting, bringing down terms, and repeating until the remainder has a lower degree than the divisor.

11. How do you factor an algebraic expression?

Factoring an algebraic expression means breaking it down into simpler expressions that, when multiplied together, give the original expression. Common factoring methods include finding a common factor, grouping, and using special formulas like the difference of squares.

12. How do you simplify rational expressions?

To simplify rational expressions (algebraic fractions), factor both the numerator and denominator, then cancel out common factors. For example, (x² - 4) / (x - 2) simplifies to x + 2 because (x + 2)(x - 2) / (x - 2) = x + 2.

13. What is the FOIL method and when is it used?

FOIL (First, Outer, Inner, Last) is a method used to multiply two binomials. For example, when multiplying (x + 2)(x + 3), you multiply the First terms (x × x), the Outer terms (x × 3), the Inner terms (2 × x), and the Last terms (2 × 3), then combine like terms.

14. How do you find the GCF (Greatest Common Factor) of algebraic terms?

To find the GCF of algebraic terms, identify the largest numerical factor common to all terms and the highest power of each variable that's common to all terms. For example, the GCF of 12x²y and 18xy² is 6xy.

15. How do you determine the roots of a polynomial equation?

The roots of a polynomial equation are the values of x that make the polynomial equal to zero. They can be found by factoring the polynomial, using the quadratic formula (for quadratic equations), or using other methods like the rational root theorem for higher-degree polynomials.

16. What is the difference between an expression and an equation?

An expression is a combination of numbers, variables, and operations without an equals sign. It represents a value but doesn't state equality. An equation, on the other hand, has an equals sign and states that two expressions are equal.

17. What is a polynomial function?

A polynomial function is a function of the form f(x) = anx^n + an-1x^(n-1) + ... + a1x + a0, where n is a non-negative integer and an ≠ 0. It's an algebraic expression where x is the variable and the coefficients (an, an-1, etc.) are constants.

18. How do you find the domain and range of a polynomial function?

The domain of a polynomial function is always all real numbers (ℝ) because polynomials are defined for every real number. The range depends on the specific polynomial but is often all real numbers or a subset of real numbers bounded below or above, depending on the degree and coefficients.

19. What is a rational root of a polynomial?

A rational root of a polynomial equation is a root that can be expressed as a fraction p/q, where p is a factor of the constant term and q is a factor of the leading coefficient. The rational root theorem helps identify potential rational roots.

20. How do you find the axis of symmetry of a quadratic function?

The axis of symmetry of a quadratic function f(x) = ax² + bx + c is a vertical line with the equation x = -b/(2a). This line passes through the vertex of the parabola and divides it into two mirror-image halves.

21. What is an algebraic expression?

An algebraic expression is a combination of variables, numbers, and mathematical operations. It represents a mathematical idea using symbols rather than specific numbers. For example, 3x + 2 is an algebraic expression where x is a variable.

22. What is the purpose of parentheses in algebraic expressions?

Parentheses in algebraic expressions group terms together and indicate that the operations inside should be performed first. They can change the order of operations and the meaning of an expression. For example, 3(x + 2) is different from 3x + 2.

23. How do you identify terms in an algebraic expression?

Terms in an algebraic expression are parts separated by addition or subtraction signs. Each term can contain variables, coefficients, and exponents. For instance, in the expression 5x² - 3y + 2, there are three terms: 5x², -3y, and 2.

24. How do you evaluate an algebraic expression?

To evaluate an algebraic expression, substitute given values for the variables and perform the indicated operations. For example, if x = 2 in the expression 3x² + 4x - 1, you would calculate 3(2²) + 4(2) - 1 = 12 + 8 - 1 = 19.

25. How do you simplify an algebraic expression?

To simplify an algebraic expression, combine like terms (terms with the same variables and exponents), perform any indicated operations, and reduce fractions if present. For example, 3x + 2x - 5 simplifies to 5x - 5.

26. How do you find the vertical and horizontal asymptotes of a rational function?

For a rational function f(x) = P(x)/Q(x):

27. What is the relationship between the degree of a polynomial and the number of roots it has?

According to the fundamental theorem of algebra, a polynomial of degree n has exactly n complex roots, counting multiplicity. This means a polynomial can have up to n distinct roots, but some may be repeated (have multiplicity greater than 1) or be complex numbers.

28. How do you determine the multiplicity of a root?

The multiplicity of a root is the number of times a factor appears in the factored form of the polynomial. Graphically, if a root has multiplicity k, the graph will touch the x-axis at that point and be tangent to it k-1 times. You can also find multiplicity by taking derivatives: if (x - r) is a factor k times, then f(r) = f'(r) = ... = f^(k-1)(r) = 0, but f^(k)(r) ≠ 0.

29. What is Descartes' rule of signs?

Descartes' rule of signs is a technique for determining the possible number of positive and negative real roots of a polynomial. It states that the number of positive real roots is either equal to the number of sign changes between consecutive nonzero coefficients, or is less than it by an even number. The number of negative real roots is the number of sign changes after multiplying the coefficients of odd-power terms by −1, or fewer than it by an even number.

30. What is polynomial long division and when is it used?

Polynomial long division is a method for dividing one polynomial by another. It's similar to long division with numbers but uses polynomial terms instead. It's used to factor polynomials, simplify rational expressions, and find the quotient and remainder when dividing polynomials.

31. What's the difference between a monomial, binomial, and trinomial?

These terms refer to the number of terms in a polynomial expression. A monomial has one term (e.g., 3x²), a binomial has two terms (e.g., x + 5), and a trinomial has three terms (e.g., x² + 2x - 1). Any polynomial with four or more terms is simply called a polynomial.

32. How do you add or subtract algebraic expressions?

To add or subtract algebraic expressions, combine like terms. Align the like terms vertically, then add or subtract their coefficients while keeping the variable part the same. For example, (3x² + 2x - 1) + (x² - 3x + 4) = 4x² - x + 3.

33. What is the degree of a polynomial?

The degree of a polynomial is the highest power of the variable in the polynomial when it's written in standard form. For example, in the polynomial 3x⁴ + 2x² - 5x + 1, the degree is 4.

34. What are like terms in an algebraic expression?

Like terms are terms in an algebraic expression that have the same variables raised to the same powers. The coefficients may be different. For example, 5x² and -2x² are like terms, but 3x and 3x² are not.

35. What is a coefficient in an algebraic expression?

A coefficient is the numerical factor of a term that contains a variable. In the term 5x², 5 is the coefficient. If no number is written, the coefficient is understood to be 1 (as in x, where the coefficient is 1).

36. What is the discriminant of a quadratic equation and what does it tell us?

The discriminant of a quadratic equation ax² + bx + c = 0 is given by b² - 4ac. It tells us about the nature of the roots:

37. How do you solve a system of polynomial equations?

Systems of polynomial equations can be solved using methods like substitution, elimination, or factoring. For more complex systems, advanced techniques like Gröbner bases or resultants may be necessary. Graphically, solutions correspond to the intersection points of the curves represented by the equations.

38. How do you factor a cubic polynomial?

To factor a cubic polynomial:

39. What is the relationship between the coefficients and roots of a polynomial?

Vieta's formulas relate the coefficients of a polynomial to sums and products of its roots. For a cubic equation x³ + ax² + bx + c = 0 with roots r, s, and t:

40. What is the difference between a constant term and a variable term?

A constant term in an algebraic expression is a term that consists of only a number, without any variables. A variable term includes at least one variable. For example, in 3x² + 2x - 5, -5 is the constant term, while 3x² and 2x are variable terms.

41. How do exponents work in algebraic expressions?

Exponents in algebraic expressions indicate how many times a base (the variable or number) is multiplied by itself. For example, x³ means x × x × x. When multiplying terms with the same base, you add the exponents: x² × x³ = x⁵.

42. What is the relationship between factors and roots of a polynomial?

The factors of a polynomial are directly related to its roots. If (x - r) is a factor of a polynomial P(x), then r is a root of the equation P(x) = 0. Conversely, if r is a root of P(x) = 0, then (x - r) is a factor of P(x).

43. What is the end behavior of a polynomial function?

The end behavior of a polynomial function describes how the function behaves as x approaches positive or negative infinity. It depends on the degree of the polynomial and the sign of its leading coefficient. For example, an odd-degree polynomial with a positive leading coefficient will go to positive infinity as x goes to positive infinity, and negative infinity as x goes to negative infinity.

44. What is synthetic division and when is it useful?

Synthetic division is a shortcut method for dividing a polynomial by a linear factor of the form (x - r). It's particularly useful for finding roots of polynomials, evaluating polynomials at a point, and as part of the rational root theorem process.

45. What is the fundamental theorem of algebra?

The fundamental theorem of algebra states that every non-constant single-variable polynomial with complex coefficients has at least one complex root. This implies that a polynomial of degree n has exactly n complex roots (counting multiplicity).

46. How do you determine if an algebraic expression is a polynomial?

A polynomial is an algebraic expression that consists of variables and coefficients, using only addition, subtraction, multiplication, and non-negative integer exponents. If an expression meets these criteria, it's a polynomial. For example, 3x² + 2x - 5 is a polynomial, but 1/x + 2 is not (because of the negative exponent in 1/x).

47. What is the standard form of a polynomial?

The standard form of a polynomial is when the terms are written in descending order of degree (from highest to lowest power of the variable). For example, 2x³ - 4x² + x - 7 is in standard form.

48. How do you graph a polynomial function?

To graph a polynomial function, start by finding the y-intercept (where x = 0) and any x-intercepts (roots). Identify the end behavior based on the degree and leading coefficient. Then, plot additional points to sketch the curve, paying attention to any turning points or extrema.

49. How do you determine if a polynomial is even or odd?

A polynomial function f(x) is even if f(-x) = f(x) for all x. This occurs when all terms have even exponents. A polynomial function is odd if f(-x) = -f(x) for all x, which occurs when all terms have odd exponents. If a polynomial has both even and odd exponents, it's neither even nor odd.

50. How do you find the turning points of a polynomial function?

Turning points of a polynomial function occur where the function changes from increasing to decreasing or vice versa. To find them, take the derivative of the function and set it equal to zero. The solutions to this equation give the x-coordinates of the turning points.

51. How do you use the rational root theorem?

The rational root theorem states that if a polynomial equation anx^n + ... + a1x + a0 = 0 with integer coefficients has a rational solution, it will be of the form ±p/q, where p is a factor of a0 and q is a factor of an. To use it, list all possible p/q combinations and test them in the original equation.