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Comparison

Algebraic Expressions vs. Equations

In English, a phrase expresses a single incomplete thought (e.g., "running very fast"), while a sentence makes a complete statement with a subject and verb (e.g., "The football player was running very fast"). Algebra mirrors this distinction: an expression is a combination of numbers, variables, and operations that represents a value but does not make a complete statement, much like a phrase. An equation, by contrast, uses an equal sign to assert that two expressions have the same value, forming a complete mathematical statement, much like a sentence.

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Updated 2026-04-21

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Elementary Algebra @ OpenStax

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Ch.8 Rational Expressions and Equations - Elementary Algebra @ OpenStax

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