Flashcard 20 - Mathematics Flashcard Set for the HESI Exam

variable; constant; exponent; expression

In \(x^2 - 3x + 5\), the symbol \(x\) is a variable because its value can change. The number \(5\) is a constant, meaning it is a term that remains the same. The number \(2\) in \(x^2\) is an exponent, showing that \(x\) is squared. The entire string, \(x^2 - 3x + 5\), is an algebraic expression, which can include variables, constants, exponents, and operations, but never an equal sign.