6.EE.A.2b 6th Grade Expressions & Equations

Identifying Parts of an Expression

Identify parts of an expression using mathematical terms such as sum, term, product, factor, quotient, and coefficient.

How to explain it

At this standard, students identify and name the parts of algebraic expressions using the terms sum, term, product, factor, quotient, and coefficient, and will view one or more parts (such as a parenthesized group) as a single entity.

The anchor students hold onto: SUM → made of TERMS. PRODUCT → made of FACTORS. A COEFFICIENT is the number multiplying a variable. A group like (x + 4) can be one entity.

This completes the 6th-grade Expressions & Equations strand. Reading expression structure prepares students to rewrite and expand expressions in 7th grade (7.EE.A).

Worked examples

Example 1 A Sum with a Coefficient

Name the parts of 5x + 8

Step 1Terms: 5x and 8

Step 2Coefficient of x: 5

Step 3Whole = a sum

AnswerSum; terms 5x and 8; coefficient 5

Example 2 A Product of Two Factors

Name the parts of 6(n + 2)

Step 1Product: 6 × (n + 2)

Step 2Factors: 6 and (n + 2)

Step 3(n + 2) = one entity

AnswerProduct; factors 6 and (n + 2)

Common mistakes

What students write Calling every number in an expression a coefficient.

The fix A coefficient multiplies a variable. In 5x + 8, the coefficient is 5; the 8 is a constant term.

Try this A student names the coefficient in 9 + 2x. Student work: "The coefficient is 9." Identify the error and give the correct coefficient.

What students write Calling all parts of any expression terms, even when the expression is a product.

The fix Terms are parts of a SUM. Parts of a PRODUCT are called factors. Find the main operation first.

Try this A student counts the terms in 3(x + 4) + 7. Student work: "3 terms: 3, x, 7." Identify the error and give the correct term count.

Teacher tip

Head off the two predictable errors before they happen. First: A coefficient multiplies a variable. In 5x + 8, the coefficient is 5; the 8 is a constant term. Second: Terms are parts of a SUM. Parts of a PRODUCT are called factors. Find the main operation first.