What is the term for an expression that consists of numbers, variables, and mathematical operators?

The correct term for an expression that consists of numbers, variables, and mathematical operators is a variable expression. Variable expressions include variables (letters that represent unknown values), constants (fixed numbers), and the operators that govern the relationships between them, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

For example, in the expression (3x + 5), (x) is the variable, and the whole expression represents a relationship that can change based on the value of (x). This term is distinct because it emphasizes the inclusion of variables in addition to numerical values and operations, pointing out that the expression can represent a wide range of potential outcomes depending on the variables involved.

In contrast, a numerical expression would consist solely of numbers and operators without any variables. A simple expression generally refers to an expression with a basic form, while a complex expression might involve multiple terms, making a distinction that is less relevant to the definition in this context. Thus, the term that accurately captures the composition of numbers, variables, and operators is indeed a variable expression.