Expressions vs Equations

EXPRESSIONS & EQUATIONS

Expression

An expression is a mathematical phrase that contains numbers, variables, or both. Expressions never have an equal sign. Here are some examples of expressions.

• 14÷7

• 2x

• 5(12+2)

• g+25–7

Equation

An equation is a mathematical sentence that says two expressions are equal. Equations always have an equal sign. Here are some examples of equations.

• 14÷7=2

• 2x=12

• 5(12+2)=90–20

• g+25–7=7g

Parts of an Expression and Equation

Expressions and equations are made up of different parts.

A variable is a letter that represents an unknown amount. For example, in the equation

2b+7=15, b is the variable.

A coefficient is a number multiplied by a variable. A coefficient is written immediately in front of the variable. For example, in the expression

9n–1/2, 9 is a coefficient.

A constant is a term that contains only a number and no variables. For example, in the equation

7–0.6t, 7 is the constant.

A term is a part of an expression or equation that is added or subtracted. For example, in the expression

3x–9+2/y, 3x,9, and 2y are all terms.

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Look at the example to see how these parts come together to form an expression.

​Let's Practice

Click the link on the succeeding slides to access your IXL practice exercises. You should get at least 80%

IXL | Identify expressions and equations | 6th grade math

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IXL | Identify terms and coefficients | 6th grade math

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