Distinguishing Between Expressions & Equations

T.i.P.S.

For this standard, students need to first understand the difference between an expression and an equation. The difference is that expressions do not include an equal sign and are basically mathematical “phrases.” Equations include an equal sign, and show equivalency between two mathematical expressions. For example, 2x + b is an algebraic expression, but 2x + b = 14 is an algebraic equation. Using this understanding, students should be able to provide examples of this using words or descriptions (verbally), simple number sentences (numerically) or more complex algebraic terms like the example given above (algebraically).

Example

Which statement is true about all expressions? Justify your thinking.    a) They contain variables.
   b) They contain only numbers.
   c) They are the same as equations.
   d) They do not include an equal sign.

Hint
Possible Solution

TEKS

Supporting Standard

6.7 Expressions, equations, and relationships. The student applies mathematical process standards to develop concepts of expressions and equations. The student is expected to:

(B) distinguish between expressions and equations verbally, numerically, and algebraically

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