Term in Math – Definition, Examples, Practice Problems, FAQs
reviewed by Florence Khitsane
Updated on October 28, 2025
Today, in this knowledge piece from Brighterly, you’ll cover one of the most fundamental elements of math: terms. Without terms, expressions, or equations wouldn’t exist, because they all need terms in order to be complete!
Here, we’ll define a term in math, explore what terms are in an expression, and what their factors are. You’ll also learn how to identify terms in an equation or expression and share solved math questions, demonstrating how to tackle them. Finally, you’ll get to deal with some practice problems so you can try it out for yourself, and answer some commonly asked questions
Terms definition in math
The definition of a term in math is numbers (also known as constants) or letters (also known as variables) that make up an equation, sum, or expression. In the expression 3 + 5y, we have two terms: 3 and 5y.
Constants are numbers that are absolute and unchanging in an expression or equation, while variables are represented by letters and can change. They can be terms when combined (i.e, 2x), or individual (i.e, 4 or y).
Now that we’ve covered the term math definition, let’s delve deeper into what terms are and the different elements and types of terms.
What are terms in an expression?
Terms are any element in an expression that are numbers or letters; therefore, operations are not terms. In the expression, 8x + 4 + y, 8x, 4, and y are all the terms in the expression.
We’ve answered the question, “What does terms mean in math?”, so now let’s look at their different elements and types.
What are the factors of a term?
Some terms in math, like 6x, have factors. The factors are the individual elements that make up the term. Here, the factors will be 6 and x. Factors can be separated out to simplify expressions or equations and make them easier to solve, which is important knowledge for when you come to learn about algebra.
What is a coefficient in an expression?
In expressions, coefficients are numbers that multiply variables. Not all expressions will have variables, but in the expression 9x + 3, 9 is the coefficient. This is because it is the number the variable x will be multiplied by in the expression.
Solved examples on term in math
Now, we’re going to show you some solved term example problems. They come with explanations, so that you can clearly comprehend the way we solved them.
Solved math task 1
You have the following expression:
2x³ – 5x² + 7x – 3.
Find all of the terms, factors, and coefficients in this expression.
Answer
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Solved math task 2:
You have the following expression:
9x + 3 x (4y + 12)
Find all of the terms math, factors, and coefficients in this expression.
Answer
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Practice questions on the term in math
- Identify the terms, factors, and coefficients in the following expression: 4x²y – 3xy² + 2x – y.
- Identify the terms, factors, and coefficients in the following expression: 5x³ – 3x²y + 7x² – 8?
- Identify the terms, factors, and coefficients in the following expression: 2x⁴ – 6x³ + 9x² – 5
Conclusion
This knowledge piece showed you the terms math definition, examples of terms in math, and shared some solved and practice questions.
Now that you know the meaning of term in math and how to identify terms, you can confidently go forth and use this to solve equations, expressions, and sums.
Terms are the building blocks of these mathematical features, so they’re a key piece of foundational knowledge that will set you up on the path of success. In particular, understanding terms will help you as you explore algebra in your math education!
Frequently asked questions on the term in math
What is a term in math?
A term is a specific feature of an equation, expression, or sum, and can be a number (constant), letter (variable), or both combined. Within a term, constants are unchanging and are represented by numbers. Variables, meanwhile, are fluid and can change, and are represented by letters.
What are terms in math examples?
Here are some examples of terms:
- Expression: 12x + 4 x (3y + 10)
- Terms: 12x, 4, 3y, 10
- Expression: 14 – 3x + (9y – 4)
- Terms: 14, 3x, 9y, 4
- Expression: 6x + 7 x 13y + 5
- Terms: 6x, 7, 13y, 5
Each term math example shows you how to identify terms within an expression.
How to find terms in math?
To find terms in math, you’ll need to identify all of the constants (numbers), variables (letters), and combinations of the two in an expression or equation. For example, in the expression 5y x 12, both 5y and 12 are terms.
What is the meaning of the term in the equation?
The meaning of terms math in an equation is the number that will be used in an operation. These numbers can be unchanging, in which case they are represented with the absolute number, or they can be fluid, and therefore represented by letters.
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