What is the term for a mathematical statement that contains an equal sign?

What is the term for a mathematical statement that contains an equal sign?

• A. Expression
• B. Equation
• C. Inequality
• D. Variable

Answer: (B)

A mathematical statement that contains an equal sign is referred to as an equation. An equation asserts that two expressions are equal and typically includes variables and constants. This equality is central to solving problems in algebra, where one often seeks the value of the variable(s) that make the equation true. In contrast, an expression does not include an equal sign; it simply combines numbers, variables, and operators. An inequality, on the other hand, represents a relationship where one side is not necessarily equal to the other, but rather greater than or less than. A variable is a symbol used to represent a number that can change or vary, but it does not denote a complete relationship like an equation does. Therefore, the defining feature of an equation is its use of an equal sign to connect two sides, clearly distinguishing it from the other terms listed.

A mathematical statement that contains an equal sign is referred to as an equation. An equation asserts that two expressions are equal and typically includes variables and constants. This equality is central to solving problems in algebra, where one often seeks the value of the variable(s) that make the equation true.

In contrast, an expression does not include an equal sign; it simply combines numbers, variables, and operators. An inequality, on the other hand, represents a relationship where one side is not necessarily equal to the other, but rather greater than or less than. A variable is a symbol used to represent a number that can change or vary, but it does not denote a complete relationship like an equation does. Therefore, the defining feature of an equation is its use of an equal sign to connect two sides, clearly distinguishing it from the other terms listed.