What is a Monomial?
An algebraic expression containing exactly one term. The one term can be a number, a variable (with or without an exponent), or the product of a number and one or more variables.
A monomial is a type of algebraic expression that consists of only one term. This one term can be a number (like 5 or –3), a variable (like x or y), a variable with an exponent (like x² or y³), or a product of a number and one or more variables (like 4x, –2xy, or 7x²y).
For example, expressions like 8, x, –5x², and 3xy are all monomials because each one is a single term. They are not separated by addition or subtraction signs.
In contrast, expressions like x + 2, 3x – 4y, or x² + y² are not monomials because they have more than one term, connected by addition or subtraction.
Monomials are important building blocks in algebra.
When you add or subtract monomials, you start forming polynomials, such as binomials (two terms) or trinomials (three terms). Learning to recognize and work with monomials helps students understand more complex expressions and equations later on.
When Do Students Learn About Monomials?
Students are introduced to monomials when they begin working with algebraic expressions and simple multiplication. This typically starts in middle school and continues into high school.
Grades 6–8 – Introduction to Monomials
In Grades 6–8, students learn to identify and multiply monomials. They also practice using exponents and combining like terms when expressions contain only one term.
Grades 9+ – Working with Monomials in Algebra
In Grades 9+, students learn to multiply, divide, and apply monomials in polynomial expressions and equations.
