The “Queen of Science” is the title given to mathematics. A unique area of mathematics called algebra works with letters, numbers, and forms. Everywhere, every day, and in practically every circumstance, we apply mathematical concepts. We have used a lot of figures, shapes, and numbers thus far. Here, we’ll apply some mathematical letters. Algebra, indeed; let’s study it more.
Expressions and Equations
There are numerous branches of mathematics. The field that deals with numbers and related operations is called arithmetic. We learned how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide two or more numbers in arithmetic. Shapes and how to construct them with a compass, ruler, and pencil are the main topics of geometry. Another fascinating subject is algebra, where we use letters and numbers (variables) to represent the circumstances of our everyday lives.
We must understand what an expression and an equation are in order to comprehend algebra.
Expression Definition
Any mathematical statement made up of variables, numbers, and an arithmetic operation between them is called an expression or algebraic expression. For instance, 4m + 5 is an equation in which m is the variable and 4m and 5 are the terms, separated by the arithmetic symbol +.
Anything that fluctuates and lacks a set value is considered a variable. Typically, the alphabetical letters a, b, c, m, n, p, x, y, z, and so on are used to denote expression variables. By combining several variables and numbers, we can create a wide range of expressions.
How to Simplify Algebraic Expressions?
The goal of the algebraic expression’s simplification is to identify the expression’s simplified term. We must first understand how to factor a number, combine like terms, and follow order of operations in order to factorize or simplify the statement. When like terms are combined, variables of the same degree are grouped together, while constant terms are kept apart for the sake of simplicity..
Expression Examples
Few examples of expressions are as follows:
- x + 5y – 10
- 2x + 1
- x + y
Equation Definition
An expression with two sides joined by the equal symbol (=) is called an equation. The equation 2x + 1 = 9 has the left-hand side (LHS) as 2x+1 and the right-hand side (RHS) as 9. The value of LHS is equal to the expression’s RHS, as indicated by the equal sign between LHS and RHS.
It is not an equation: 10x + 63 > 10. In this case, the expression’s LHS and RHS do not have the same sign. We can therefore conclude that not all expressions are equations. We refer to these kind of formulations as linear inequalities.
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Equation Examples
Few examples of equations are:
- 8m+5=10n
- a+4b = 12c+3
Note: An equation is interchangeable i.e. the equation remains the same even if LHS and RHS interchange each other.
Difference between Algebraic Expression and Equation
| Expression | Equation |
| An expression is a number, a variable, or a combination of numbers and variables and operation symbols. | An equation is made up of two expressions connected by an equal sign. |
| Word example: The sum of 8 and 3 | Word example: The sum of 8 and 3 is equal to 11. |
| Expression: 8 + 3 | Equation: 8 + 3 = 11 |
| Expression with exponent: x2 – 4 | Equation with exponent: x2 – 4 = 0 |