Equation

Definition

An equation is a mathematical statement that asserts the equality of two expressions. It consists of two expressions separated by an equals sign (=).

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. An equation can contain variables, constants, and arithmetic operations.
2. Solving an equation means finding the value(s) of the variable(s) that make the equation true.
3. Linear equations have variables raised to the power of one and graph as straight lines.
4. Quadratic equations involve variables raised to the power of two and graph as parabolas.
5. Equations can be manipulated using properties like addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and substitution to isolate variables.

Review Questions

• What is an equation and what does it consist of?
• How do you solve a linear equation?
• What distinguishes a quadratic equation from other types of equations?

Related terms

Variable: A symbol used to represent an unknown number in an expression or equation.

Constant: A fixed value that does not change within an expression or equation.

Expression: A combination of numbers, variables, and operators without an equals sign.