Equations

• Why should I bother learning this?
  This is an excellent opportunity to explain to the students that balancing equations is the foundation for algebra. This can be a great incentive for many children since some of their brothers and sisters might be in an algebra class. Be sure to explain that algebra uses letters to replace the boxes or blanks they are used to seeing in equations, but the process is the same.
• Is an expression the same as an equation?
  No! An equation is a mathematical statement that shows two expressions to be of equal value. An equation contains two expressions and an equal sign. Expressions can contain numbers, symbols, and/or variables. Examples of expressions are: 3 + 5
  6
  12a + 4
  Examples of equations are:
  2 + 6 = 4 + 4
  7 – 2 = 5
  12a – 3 = 15
  

Interpreting Equations