Equation
See It in Action
Two examples of the idea done right—and one common look-alike that is not right.
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE
NON-EXAMPLE
Definition
An equation is a mathematical statement that asserts the equality of two expressions. It is represented by the symbol =, which means "is equal to." An equation contains one or more variables and constants, and it shows that the expressions on either side of the equality sign have the same value.
For example:
In the equation 2x + 3 = 7, the expressions 2x + 3 and 7 are equal, meaning that when you solve for x, the left side will equal the right side.
In the equation x - 4 = 10, the variable x is combined with constants to form an equality.
Equations are used to find the value(s) of the variable(s) that make the statement true. Solving an equation involves finding these values.