Question: Define an algebraic term. In your explanation, describe the different forms a term can take (such as a constant, or the product of a constant and one or more variables). Then give three distinct examples of algebraic terms.

Sample answer: An algebraic term is a constant, or the product of a constant and one or more variables. Terms are the fundamental building blocks of algebraic expressions. A term can take several forms: it can be a single constant, a single variable, or a constant multiplied by one or more variables (possibly with exponents). Three distinct examples are $7$, $9a$, and $5x^2$.

Key points:

• A term is a constant, or the product of a constant and one or more variables.
• Terms are the building blocks of algebraic expressions.
• A term can be a single constant, such as $7$.
• A term can be a single variable, such as $y$.
• A term can be a constant times one or more variables, such as $5x^2$ or $9a$.

Rubric: Full credit: correctly defines a term as a constant or the product of a constant and one or more variables, describes at least two distinct forms a term can take, and gives three valid, distinct examples. Partial credit: gives an incomplete definition or fewer than three valid examples. No credit: definition is incorrect and examples are missing or invalid.