An expression is a combination of numbers, variables, and operations with no equals sign. You simplify or evaluate an expression, but you cannot solve one, because there is nothing to solve for.
Math Dictionary / Expression
Expression
An expression is a number, variable, or combination of numbers and variables without an equal sign.
AlgebraGrade 6Grade 7Grade 8Algebra 1GEDSATACT
What it means
Expressions can be simplified, but they are not solved unless they are part of an equation.
Also called: algebraic expression
Examples
| 4x + 9 |
| 3(a – 2) |
| 7 |
Common mistake
Do not call an expression an equation unless it has an equal sign.
Try one
Question: Is 5n – 2 an expression?
Show answer
Yes. It has no equal sign.