Expressions and Equations

Expressions and Equations

Expression vs. Equation

Expression- Expression is a problem statement only. The expression is set up carefully with the operations following in the same order as they occur in the given problem.

Equation- Solving the problem and coming up with a solution. The equal sign always signifies a balanced equation. The two sides of the equal sign have to be kept in balance.

Math Tips- You can’t solve an expression, you can only evaluate it by substituting.

Inverse Operations

Inverse operation of addition (+) is subtraction (-)

Inverse operation of division (÷) is multiplication (х)

When operations cross over from left to right across of the equal sign, then they become the inverse. Along with the values to which they are attached to.

Terms

Variable- A letter/symbol used in the place of an unknown number.

Coefficient- A number that multiplies a variable

Term- Part of an expression that contains a number, variable, or both.

Like and Unlike Terms

Like Terms- Terms that have the same variables and powers, however the coefficient doesn’t need to match.

Unlike Terms- Two or more terms that are not like terms.