Question

What is the difference between an algebraic expression and an equation? (1 pt.)

Answer 1

The primary difference between the two is an equals sign. An "equation" has a left side, a right side and an equals sign separating the sides. An "expression," by contrast, doesn't have any "sides" and is simply what the name suggests: An algebraic "expression." Though sometimes it is possible to combine like terms, we are generally not expected to "do" or "solve" anything regarding expressions.

For example:

3x - 7 = 2

This is an EQUATION, because it has a left side, a right side, and an = sign separating the two.

3x - 7

This is an EXPRESSION, because there are no "sides" and no = sign.