---
title: "Expressions & Equations Vocabulary"
description: "Understand and use the concepts and vocabulary of expressions, equations, inequalities, terms, and factors; distinguish between an expression (no equals sign), an equation (equals sign), and an inequa"
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source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/expressions-and-equations-vocabulary-mt_g_fkAqmz72.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# Expressions & Equations Vocabulary

Understand and use the concepts and vocabulary of expressions, equations, inequalities, terms, and factors; distinguish between an expression (no equals sign), an equation (equals sign), and an inequality (inequality sign)

Subject: Mathematics · Area: Algebra · Ages 11 to 12
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/expressions-and-equations-vocabulary-mt_g_fkAqmz72

## Ready when they can

- Define and distinguish between expression, equation, and inequality
- Identify terms, coefficients, and factors in algebraic expressions
- Use the vocabulary of algebra precisely in mathematical discussions

## Lesson: Expression, Equation, or Inequality?

You already know how to write algebra with letters and numbers, like 3x + 2. Algebra statements come in different kinds, and each kind has a name. The sign in the middle tells you which kind you're looking at.

An expression has no equals sign and no inequality sign. It's just a math phrase, like 3x + 2. An equation has an equals sign, like 3x + 2 = 11. It says two things have the same value. An inequality has a sign like > (greater than) or < (less than), like 3x + 2 > 11. It says one side is bigger or smaller, not equal.

*(drawing: 7 stars is more than 5 stars, so we write 7 > 5. An inequality in algebra works the same way: one side is bigger than the other.)*

**Example.** Look at the expression 5y - 4. It has two terms: 5y and -4, joined by a minus sign. In the term 5y, the number 5 is the coefficient, and 5 and y are its factors, because they're multiplied together to make the term.

**Tip.** To tell the three apart fast, check the middle sign first. No equals or inequality sign: expression. An equals sign: equation. A sign like > or <: inequality.

**Recap.** No sign means expression, an equals sign means equation, and a greater-than or less-than sign means inequality.

## Practice

14 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Needs first

- [Advanced Maths Vocabulary](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/advanced-maths-vocabulary-mt_3rTIyJDw7-)
- [Algebraic Notation](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/algebraic-notation-mt_KwdjWEmMNo)

## Opens up

- [Collecting Like Terms](https://lightmysky.com/learn/mathematics/collecting-like-terms-mt_nNNVrLqPW3)