Does a mathematical expression involve an equals sign? Does an equation involve an equals sign?
See solution.
Practice makes perfect
Let's start by recalling what a mathematical expression is. Then, we will talk about equations.
Mathematical expression
A mathematical expression is a combination of mathematical symbols involving operations between numbers and variables. They are often used to model or quantify something. We can consider them as mathematical phrases.
Mathematical Expression
Phrase
32Ă· 8 + 5
5 more than the quotient of 32 and 8
5* w-7
7 less than the product of 5 and w
Mathematical expressions can be simplified following the order of operations. For the expressions containing a variable, the value of the expression can change depending on the value of the variable.
w
5w-7
Simplify
0
5( 0)-7
- 7
1
5( 1)-7
- 2
2
5( 2)-7
3
Equations
On the other hand, an equation can be considered as a mathematical sentence that uses an equals sign to relate two mathematical expressions.
Equation
Mathematical Sentence
2+4 = 16-10
The sum of 2 and 4 is equal to the difference of 16 and 10.
2x+4 = 8
4 more than the product of 2 and x is equal to 8.
For the equations containing a variable, the value of the variable that makes the equation true is called a solution of the equation. For example, the solution to the second equation in the above table is x=2.
