Understanding Expressions and Equations

An equation is a type of expression that only includes variables.

An equation contains an equals sign and asserts equality, while an expression does not.

An expression contains an equals sign, while an equation does not.

An equation is always a polynomial, while an expression can be a single number.

5

4

3

2

Making an expression longer and more complex.

Changing the variables in the expression.

Simplifying an expression means reducing it to its simplest form.

Adding more terms to the expression.

3x + 5 = 15

2x - 5 = 15

2x + 10 = 15

2x + 5 = 15

2

3

4

1

10

15

22

19

Divide both sides by 2

Add 4 to both sides

Subtract 2 from both sides

Multiply both sides by 4

25

20

15

10

-5

10

0

5

Area = 2 × (length + width)

Area = length + width

Area = length × width

Area = length ÷ width