Do you understand the difference between a formula, expression, identity and equation?
A formula is a rule written using symbols that describe a relationship between different quantities. Typical maths formulae include
A = πr² (area of a circle)
C=πd (circumference of a circle)
An expression is a group of mathematical symbols representing a number or quantity. Expressions never have equality or inequality signs like =, >, <, ≠ ,≥ ,≤. Some examples
3a
3xy + 4x
t² + t³
An identity is an equation that is always true, no matter what values are chosen.
Examples
3a + 2a = 5a
x²+x² = 2x²
5 x 10 = 10 x 5
An equation is a mathematical statement that shows that two expressions are equal. It always includes an equals sign.
Examples
x² =100
3x(x+5)= 42
(x+3)(x-2)=0
Use this exercise to make sure you understand the difference.
2 Responses to “Formula, expression, identity, equation?”
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Hi,
Please can you give an example of a formula that isn’t an equation and visa versa? The way I read your post they are the same thing.
Thanks,
John
An equation can be solved- so for example in the equation 2x=8, x=4. There is usually just one solution, but sometimes there is more than one solutuion.
A formula is a method of working something out that will work for all the possible values. So for the area of a rectangle the formula is area =length x width. This always works no matter how big or small the length and width are.
Hope this makes sense!