Equation vs. Expression — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 30, 2024
Equation involves a statement of equality between two mathematical expressions, often containing a variable to solve for, while Expression is a mathematical phrase representing a single value, without an equality sign.
Difference Between Equation and Expression
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Equations can be classified into various types, such as linear equations, quadratic equations, or differential equations, depending on their form and the operations involved. Expressions also vary, including algebraic expressions, polynomial expressions, and numerical expressions, defined by the nature of their components.
The primary purpose of an equation is to find the values of variables that satisfy the equality, which involves solving the equation. With expressions, the focus is on simplifying or evaluating the expression for given values of any variables involved, without needing to equate it to another expression.
When working with equations, one manipulates both sides of the equality to isolate the variable and solve for it. In contrast, manipulating an expression involves operations that simplify or rearrange it, possibly to substitute into an equation or another expression later.
In terms of representation, equations are recognized by the presence of an equals sign separating two expressions, signaling a balance that must be maintained. Expressions lack this, representing a quantity or concept that can be evaluated as a single entity.
Comparison Chart
Definition
A mathematical statement asserting equality between two expressions
A mathematical phrase representing a single value
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Components
Contains an equals sign variables, numbers, and operations
Comprises variables, numbers, and mathematical operations
Purpose
To solve for variables, finding values that satisfy the equality
To evaluate or simplify to represent a value
Types
Linear, quadratic, differential, etc.
Algebraic, polynomial, numerical, etc
Manipulation Goal
Isolate and solve for variables
Simplify or evaluate for given values
Compare with Definitions
Equation
Often contains variables to solve for.
Solving the equation for y gives us the value of the variable.
Expression
The act of forcing something out by squeezing or pressing;
The expression of milk from her breast
Equation
Uses an equals sign to assert equality.
In the equation 3x=9, both sides are equal when x=3.
Expression
Used in various mathematical operations.
Substituting x=1 into the expression gives a value of 8.
Equation
The act of regarding as equal
Expression
The focus is on evaluation or simplification.
Evaluating the expression for different values of x yields various outcomes.
Equation
A statement that two mathematical expressions are equal.
The equation x−2=4 can be solved to find x.
Expression
A mathematical phrase that can be simplified or evaluated.
The expression 2x+4 simplifies to 2(x+2).
Equation
Solving involves finding variable values that satisfy the equality.
By solving the equation, we determine the unknown value.
Expression
Can represent a wide range of mathematical concepts.
The algebraic expression includes variables and constants.
Equation
In mathematics, an equation is a statement that asserts the equality of two expressions, which are connected by the equals sign "=". The word equation and its cognates in other languages may have subtly different meanings; for example, in French an équation is defined as containing one or more variables, while in English, any equality is an equation.Solving an equation containing variables consists of determining which values of the variables make the equality true.
Expression
The action of making known one's thoughts or feelings
She accepted his expressions of sympathy
The prisoners developed a dialect as an everyday means of expression
Equation
The act or process of equating or of being equated.
Expression
A look on someone's face that conveys a particular emotion
A sad expression
Equation
The state of being equal.
Expression
A word or phrase, especially an idiomatic one, used to convey an idea
We have an expression, ‘You don't get owt for nowt.’
Equation
(Mathematics) A statement asserting the equality of two expressions, usually written as a linear array of symbols that are separated into left and right sides and joined by an equal sign.
Expression
The production of something by pressing it out
Essential oils obtained by distillation or expression
Equation
(Chemistry) A representation of a chemical reaction, usually written as a linear array in which the symbols and quantities of the reactants are separated from those of the products by an arrow or a set of opposing arrows.
Expression
The appearance in a phenotype of a characteristic or effect attributed to a particular gene
Expression of the TAT gene is restricted to the parenchymal cells
Equation
A complex of variable elements or factors
"The world was full of equations ... there must be an answer for everything, if only you knew how to set forth the questions" (Anne Tyler).
Expression
The act of expressing, conveying, or representing in words, art, music, or movement; a manifestation
An expression of rural values.
Equation
The act or process of equating two or more things, or the state of those things being equal (that is, identical).
We need to bring the balance of power into equation
Expression
Something that expresses or communicates
Let this plaque serve as an expression of our esteem.
Equation
(mathematics) An assertion that two expressions are equal, expressed by writing the two expressions separated by an equal sign; from which one is to determine a particular quantity.
Expression
(Mathematics) A symbol or combination of symbols that represents a quantity or a relationship between quantities.
Equation
(astronomy) A small correction to observed values to remove the effects of systematic errors in an observation.
Expression
The manner in which one expresses oneself, especially in speaking, depicting, or performing.
Equation
A making equal; equal division; equality; equilibrium.
Again the golden day resumed its right,And ruled in just equation with the night.
Expression
A particular word or phrase
"an old Yankee expression ... 'Stand up and be counted'" (Charles Kuralt).
Equation
An expression of the condition of equality between two algebraic quantities or sets of quantities, the sign = being placed between them; as, a binomial equation; a quadratic equation; an algebraic equation; a transcendental equation; an exponential equation; a logarithmic equation; a differential equation, etc.
Expression
The outward manifestation of a mood or a disposition
My tears are an expression of my grief.
Equation
A quantity to be applied in computing the mean place or other element of a celestial body; that is, any one of the several quantities to be added to, or taken from, its position as calculated on the hypothesis of a mean uniform motion, in order to find its true position as resulting from its actual and unequal motion.
Expression
A facial aspect or a look that conveys a special feeling
An expression of scorn.
Equation
A mathematical statement that two expressions are equal
Expression
The act of pressing or squeezing out.
Equation
A state of being essentially equal or equivalent; equally balanced;
On a par with the best
Expression
(Genetics) The act or process of expressing a gene.
Expression
The action of expressing thoughts, ideas, feelings, etc.
Expression
A particular way of phrasing an idea.
Expression
A colloquialism or idiom.
The expression "break a leg!" should not be taken literally.
Expression
A facial appearance usually associated with an emotion.
They stared at the newcomer with a puzzled expression.
The best poker players can tell if the opponents have a good hand by looking at their expression.
Her expression changed from joy to misery after realising her winning lottery ticket had expired.
Expression
(mathematics) An arrangement of symbols denoting values, operations performed on them, and grouping symbols.
Expression
(biology) The process of translating a gene into a protein.
Expression
(programming) A piece of code in a high-level language that returns a value.
Expression
A specific blend of whisky.
Expression
(biology) (manufacturing) The act of pressing or squeezing out.
Expression from a gland
Breast milk expression can be achieved by hand or with a pump.
However the mechanical expression of juice led to an improvement of the solutes extraction from mash.
Expression
(music) The tone of voice or sound in music.
Expression
Emotional involvement or engagement in a text read aloud rendered by the voice of the reciter or the reader
Expression
The act of expressing; the act of forcing out by pressure; as, the expression of juices or oils; also, of extorting or eliciting; as, a forcible expression of truth.
Expression
The act of declaring or signifying; declaration; utterance; as, an expression of the public will.
With this tone of philosophy were mingled expressions of sympathy.
Expression
Lively or vivid representation of meaning, sentiment, or feeling, etc.; significant and impressive indication, whether by language, appearance, or gesture; that manner or style which gives life and suggestive force to ideas and sentiments; as, he reads with expression; her performance on the piano has expression.
The imitators of Shakespeare, fixing their attention on his wonderful power of expression, have directed their imitation to this.
Expression
That which is expressed by a countenance, a posture, a work of art, etc.; look, as indicative of thought or feeling.
It still wore the majesty of expression so conspicuous in his portraits by the inimitable pencil of Titian.
Expression
A form of words in which an idea or sentiment is conveyed; a mode of speech; a phrase; as, a common expression; an odd expression.
Expression
The representation of any quantity or relation by appropriate characters or symbols, usually in a specific order.
Expression
The production of products by a gene that cause the appearance of the corresponding protein or phenotype; - of a gene or of an organism with a specific gene; as, the expression the beta-galactosidase positive phenotype,
Expression
A combination of characters linked by operators, occurring as part of the code of a computer program, which must be evaluated according to the rules of the computer language in order to produce a resulting value.
Expression
The expression on a person's face;
A sad expression
A look of triumph
An angry face
Expression
Expression without words;
Tears are an expression of grief
The pulse is a reflection of the heart's condition
Expression
The communication (in speech or writing) of your beliefs or opinions;
Expressions of good will
He helped me find expression for my ideas
Expression
A word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations;
Pardon the expression
Expression
The style of expressing yourself;
He suggested a better formulation
His manner of expression showed how much he cared
Expression
A group of symbols that make a mathematical statement
Expression
(genetics) the process of expressing a gene
Expression
A group of words that form a constituent of a sentence and are considered as a single unit;
I concluded from his awkward constructions that he was a foreigner
Common Curiosities
How do you solve an equation?
Solving an equation involves manipulating it to isolate the variable and find the value(s) that satisfy the equation’s equality.
What differentiates an equation from an expression?
An equation asserts equality between two expressions with an equals sign, aiming to solve for variables, while an expression represents a single value without asserting any equality.
Why do equations use variables?
Variables allow equations to represent unknown values that can be solved for, making equations tools for finding specific values that satisfy the stated equality.
Can an expression become an equation?
Yes, when two expressions are set equal to each other, creating a statement to be solved, they form an equation.
What does it mean to simplify an expression?
Simplifying an expression means performing all possible operations within it to reduce it to its simplest form, making it easier to evaluate or use.
Are all mathematical statements equations?
No, only statements that include an equality sign asserting that two expressions are equal are considered equations. Statements without an equals sign are expressions.
What role do expressions play in mathematics?
Expressions are fundamental in representing values in mathematical operations, serving as the building blocks for equations and various mathematical concepts.
Can equations have more than one solution?
Yes, depending on the type of equation, it can have one, multiple, or no real solutions. For example, quadratic equations can have two solutions.
How can one variable be solved in terms of another using equations?
By manipulating the equation to isolate one variable on one side, it can be expressed in terms of the other variables, allowing for substitution and solving in various contexts.
What is the importance of understanding equations and expressions in algebra?
Understanding these concepts is crucial for solving problems in algebra and beyond, as they form the basis for modeling situations, solving for unknowns, and understanding mathematical relationships.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
