1. Introduction to algebraic expressions

Various definitions and concepts
    Literals : The letters which are used to represent numbers are called literal numbers or literals. In 2xy, x & y are the literals.
    Literal numbers obey all the rules (and signs) of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of numbers along with the properties of these operations. a × b = ab, 2 × a = 2a, 1 × a = a, x × 3 = 3x and a × a × a × ......× 15 times = a¹⁵. 
    In a⁵, 5 is called the index or exponent and a is called the base.

    Constant :  A term of the expression having no literal factor is called a constant term.

    (i)     In the binomial expression 5x + 7, the constant term is 7. In short, a symbol having a fixed numerical value is called a constant.

Variable : A symbol which takes various numerical values is called a variable.

Algebraic expression : A combination of constants and variables connected by the signs of fundamental operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division is called an algebraic expression.