- Definition
A monomial is a single building block in math, like "3x" or "5y²", without any plus or minus signs separating parts.
The expression 4ab is a monomial because its parts are all multiplied together into a single term.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: A monomial is like a single Lego brick that can't be broken apart by plus or minus signs.
Ask your child: Look at 3xy. What tells you it's all one piece?
Common mix-up: Kids often think that a term with multiple parts, like 3xy, is more than one term. A monomial is a single block of numbers and variables multiplied together, with no plus or minus signs.
Examples
- The expression 3x² is a monomial, even with the exponent.
- A single number, like 8, is also a monomial.
- A single variable, like y, is a monomial.
monomial is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
