How can you differentiate between an equation and an expression

Expression and Equation are terms that are very often encountered in mathematics. However, if you were to ask the difference between an expression and an equation to even those who are students of Math, chances are you may not get a satisfactory answer. Both are however important in understanding different concepts in Mathematics. Both make use of numbers and variables, however, the difference lies in their arrangement. This article will highlight the differences between the expression and equation and make it easier for you to pick up an equation from an expression.

While an equation is a sentence, an expression is a phrase. Basis for Comparison Expression Equation Meaning Expression is a mathematical phrase which combines, numbers, variables and operators to show the value of something. An equation is a mathematical statement wherein two expressions are set equal to each other. What is it? A sentence fragment, that stands for a single numerical value. A sentence that shows equality between two expressions. An expression can be arithmetic, algebraic, polynomial and analytical.

Hence, it has nothing like left side or right side. An expression can be simplified by combining the like terms, or it can be evaluated, inserting values in place of the variables to arrive at a numerical value. In mathematics, the term equation means a statement of equality. An equation is a mathematical statement where two expressions are equated to each other. An equation can either be a condition or identity.

The conditional equation is where the equality of two expressions is true for a definite value of the variable involved. An equation is a group of numbers and variables that does include an equal sign. Once you understand these definitions, you can recognize that an equation is simply two expressions joined together by an equal sign. And, you can simplify equations and write expressions and equations.

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