Expression
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 expression is a mathematical phrase that combines numbers, variables, and operators (such as +, -, ✕, and ÷) but does not include an equality sign. Expressions represent values and can be simplified or evaluated based on the values assigned to the variables.
Here are key points about expressions:
Terms: Expressions are made up of terms, which can be constants, variables, or a combination of both. For example, in 3x + 4, 3x and 4 are terms.
Operators: Expressions use operators to combine terms. For example, in 2x - 7, the operator is subtraction.
Simplification: Expressions can be simplified by combining like terms and performing arithmetic operations. For example, 2x + 3x = 5x simplifies to a single term.
Evaluation: To evaluate an expression, substitute the values of the variables into the expression and perform the operations. For example, if x = 2, then 3x + 4 evaluates to 3(2) + 4 = 10.
An expression does not include an equality sign, so it does not state that two things are equal, unlike an equation.