Expression Definition
An expression is a statement in Mathematics that has at least two terms connected with a particular mathematical operator. The terms can be numbers or variables. We can say that an expression has two main parts:
- Numbers/variables
- Mathematical Operation
Note:
You can read about Variables here.
Table of Contents
General form of an expression
The general form of an expression is given below:
Number/Variable, Mathematical Operation, Number/Variable
What type of Mathematical operation makes expression?
The four basic Mathematical operations can make an expression. Here are the name of those basic operations.
Example 1: 3x + 4.
Example 2: 4x – 3
Example 3: 4 × 5
Example 4: 133 ÷ 4
In the above examples, we have represented expressions having all four basic Mathematical operations. Keep in mind that an expression can have more than two terms as well as multiple mathematical operator's involvements.
Types of Expressions?
There are three main types of expressions in Mathematics. Let us show you these types shortly here.
• Numerical Expression:
An expression that includes numbers only without the involvement of variables.
For Example:
65 + 89 is a numerical expression as it involves numbers only.
• Algebraic Expression:
An expression that includes numbers and variables is called an Algebraic Expression.
Note:
You can read about Algebraic Expression here.
For Example:
+ 7y is an Algebraic Expression as it involves two variables “x” and “y”.
• Fractional Expression:
An expression that includes fractions having numbers or variables.
For Example:
3x/7 + 17/8 is a fractional expression as it involves two fractions connected with a sign of Addition.
FAQ's
Are an expression and equation the same?
No, an expression doesn’t involve a sign of equality while an equation involves it. Also, we can say that an expression can be a part of an equation.
How to identify an expression in Mathematics?
In Mathematics, wherever you will see different terms connected with any Mathematical operator, you can say that it is an expression.
How many terms should an expression have?
An expression must have a minimum of two terms while there is no limit over the maximum numbers.
Can we solve an expression in Mathematics?
Yes, we can solve an expression using the operators used in them by following Mathematical principles.
How to simplify expressions in Mathematics?
We can simplify an expression by solving the Mathematical operations. It means we can add, subtract, multiply, or divide as per the requirements of the expression for simplification.
