Further algebraic terminology
I can appreciate the difference between an equation, an identity, an expression, a term and a formula.
Further algebraic terminology
I can appreciate the difference between an equation, an identity, an expression, a term and a formula.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A single number or letter, or the product of numbers and/or variables.
- An expression contains one or more terms, where each term is separated by an operator.
- An equation is a statement that two expressions are equal, indicated by =
- An identity is an equation which is always true, regardless of the values substituted in.
- A formula is a mathematical rule or relationship connecting two or more variables.
Common misconception
Pupils can think the formula for the number of days in a week is w=7d because a week has seven days.
Pupils should always write down exactly what the letter is representing. E.g. 'the number of days' and 'the number of weeks'. Then think about what calculation they are doing. 'To find the number of days I multiply the number of weeks by 7'. d=7w.
Keywords
Term - A term is single number or letter, or the product of numbers and/or variables. Each term is separated by the operators + and –
Expression - Expressions contain one or more terms, where each term is separated by an operator.
Equation - An equation is used to show 2 expressions that are equal to each other.
Identity - An identity is an equation that holds true for all values of the variables. The symbol ≡ is used to show two expressions are equivalent and form an identity.
Formula - A formula is a rule linking sets of physical variables in context.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
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