Which signs are mainly used to separate terms in an algebraic expression?

Addition and subtraction

An algebraic expression can contain numbers, variables, and operations. Its terms are the separate parts that are added or subtracted. For example, in an expression such as \(3x^2-5x+7\), the terms are \(3x^2\), \(-5x\), and \(+7\). The plus or minus sign belongs with the term that follows it, so the middle term is properly read as negative 5x.

Multiplication signs may occur inside a term, as in \(4xy\), but they do not usually separate terms. Division signs also do not separate terms in the usual identification of terms, and an equal sign compares two expressions rather than dividing one expression into terms. Therefore addition and subtraction are the main signs used to separate terms. Option C is correct, and the supplied explanation appropriately reminds us to keep the sign attached to its term.

This is a Class 9 Mathematics question. Chapter: Introduction to Polynomials. Topic: Algebraic expressions.