September 28, 2025

What Is The Difference Between An Equation And An Expression

Q: Can you solve a mathematical expression?

No, you cannot 'solve' an expression because it doesn't make a complete statement of equality. You can only simplify it (e.g., combining like terms) or evaluate it if you are given a value for its variables.

Q: What is another way to think about the difference?

Think of an expression as a mathematical 'phrase' (like 'the sum of a number and three') and an equation as a complete 'sentence' (like 'the sum of a number and three is equal to eight').

Learn the key difference between a mathematical equation and an expression. Understand how an equals sign separates one from the other with simple examples.

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The Core Difference: The Equals Sign

The fundamental difference between an equation and an expression is the presence of an equals sign (=). An equation asserts that two quantities are equal, creating a complete mathematical statement that can be solved. An expression is a combination of numbers, variables, and operators that represents a single value but does not state a relationship of equality.

Examples of Equations and Expressions

An example of an expression is `5x + 2`. It represents a value but cannot be solved on its own. An example of an equation is `5x + 2 = 12`. This is a statement that can be solved for the variable `x`. In short, you solve equations, but you simplify or evaluate expressions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you solve a mathematical expression?

What is another way to think about the difference?