A3: understand and use the concepts and vocabulary of expressions, equations, formulae, identities, inequalities, terms and factors

Formula

a fact or a rule that relates two or more quantities using mathematical symbols. A formula contains an equals sign ‘=‘. E.g. D=SxT

Equation

A statement showing that two mathematical expressions are equal to one another. An equation contains an equals sign ‘=‘. E.g. 5-3x=2x+4

Expression

A mathematical statement containing numbers, symbols and operators. An expression does not contain an equals sign. E.g. 2x²+4x-7

Identity

A relationship showing that two mathematical statements are identical. An identity contains a triple bar (tribar) sign ‘≡’. E.g. 2(x+1)≡2x+2

Factor

A number that divides the given number evenly or exactly, leaving no remainder

Term

A term is either a single number or variable, or the product of several numbers or variables. E.g 3, 4y, 5x²