An algebraic expression is a mathematical statement that contains a combination of numbers, symbols, variables and mathematical operators. It does not have an equals sign. In mathematics, an algebraic expression is an expression built up from integer constants, variables, and the algebraic operations. An algebraic expression is one or more algebraic terms in a phrase. It can include variables, constants, and operating symbols, such as plus and minus signs. It's only a phrase, not the whole sentence, so it doesn't include an equal sign. For example, 2(3 + 8) is a numeric expression. Algebraic expressions include at least one variable and at least one operation (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division). For example, 2(x + 8y) is an algebraic expression.