EDEXCEL GCSE FOUNDATION MATHS - What is Multiplying and Dividing Terms

Multiplying and Dividing Terms

What are terms?

In algebra, a term is a single number, variable, or a combination of both. They are separated by addition or subtraction signs.

Examples of terms:

• 5
• x
• 3y
• 2x + 7

Multiplying Terms

When multiplying terms, we simply multiply the numbers and variables together.

Rules:

• Numbers: Multiply the numerical coefficients.
• Variables: Multiply the variables together. Remember, when multiplying variables with the same base, we add the exponents.

Example:

• Multiply 3x by 4y.
  • 3x * 4y = (3 * 4) * (x * y) = 12xy

Dividing Terms

Dividing terms follows similar rules to multiplication.

Rules:

• Numbers: Divide the numerical coefficients.
• Variables: Divide the variables. Remember, when dividing variables with the same base, we subtract the exponents.

Example:

• Divide 10x² by 2x.
  • 10x² / 2x = (10 / 2) * (x² / x) = 5x

Important Notes:

• Coefficients: If a term doesn't have a visible coefficient, it's understood to be 1. For example, 'x' is the same as '1x'.
• Exponents: If a variable doesn't have an exponent, it's understood to be 1. For example, 'x' is the same as 'x¹'.

Practice:

Try these examples:

1. Multiply 2a by 5b.
2. Divide 12y³ by 3y.
3. Multiply 4x²y by 3xy².
4. Divide 16a³b² by 4ab.

Answers:

1. 10ab
2. 4y²
3. 12x³y³
4. 4a²b