An expression in mathematics is a sentence that contains at least two numbers or variables and at least one mathematical operation (addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division). The basic structure follows the pattern: Number/variable, Math Operator, Number/variable. Examples of expressions include: 5+35 + 35+3, x−7x - 7x−7, and 4×y4 \times y4×y. It's important to note that expressions do not contain equality or inequality symbols. An expression is composed of several parts: constants (fixed numerical values), variables (symbols representing unknown values), terms (constants, variables, or constants multiplied by variables), and operators (mathematical symbols indicating operations).
There are different types of mathematical expressions. Numerical expressions consist solely of numbers and arithmetic operators without any variables or equality symbols (e.g., 65+9−465 + 9 - 465+9−4). Algebraic expressions include unknown variables along with numbers and arithmetic operators (e.g., 5z5z5z or 3x2+53x^2 + 53x2+5). Algebraic expressions are further classified based on the number of terms they contain: monomials have one term (4x4x4x), binomials have two unlike terms (2xy+x2xy + x2xy+x), trinomials have three unlike terms (3t2−4t+93t^2 - 4t + 93t2−4t+9), and polynomials have two or more terms, which includes binomials and trinomials.
Examples of Mathematical Expressions Example 1: Writing Word Phrases as Expressions Problem:Write each word phrase as an expression:
The sum of 10 and 14 3 more than a number 7 Two times 11, increased by 1 19 less than the product of 15 and 4 The quotient of 33 and 3 Step-by-step solution:First, identify the key mathematical terms in each phrase:
"Sum" indicates addition "More than" suggests addition "Times" and "increased by" indicate multiplication followed by addition "Less than" and "product" involve multiplication and subtraction "Quotient" refers to divisionNext, translate each phrase into the corresponding mathematical operation:
The sum of 10 and 14: 10+1410 + 1410+14 3 more than a number 7: 7+37 + 37+3 Two times 11, increased by 1: 2×11+12 \times 11 + 12×11+1 19 less than the product of 15 and 4: 15×4−1915 \times 4 - 1915×4−19 The quotient of 33 and 3: 33÷333 \div 333÷3 Example 2: Word Problem with Expressions Problem:A book has 250 pages. Ron has 62 pages left to read. Write an expression to find the number of pages he has read.
Step-by-step solution:First, identify what we know:
Total number of pages in the book = 250 Pages Ron still needs to read = 62Next, determine what we're looking for:
We want to know how many pages Ron has already readThen, think about the relationship:
The pages Ron has read plus the pages left to read must equal the total pages So: Pages read + Pages left = Total pages Rearranging: Pages read = Total pages - Pages leftFinally, write the expression:
Pages Ron has read = 250−62250 - 62250−62 Example 3: Solving Complex Expressions Using PEDMAS Problem:Evaluate the expression (15÷3×4−7)+(19−42)(15 \div 3 \times 4 - 7) + (19 - 4^2)(15÷3×4−7)+(19−42)
Step-by-step solution:First, recall PEDMAS: Parentheses, Exponents, Division and Multiplication (from left to right), Addition and Subtraction (from left to right)
Next, evaluate expressions inside the first parentheses (15÷3×4−7)(15 \div 3 \times 4 - 7)(15÷3×4−7):
Division first: 15÷3=515 \div 3 = 515÷3=5 Now we have: (5×4−7)(5 \times 4 - 7)(5×4−7) Multiplication: 5×4=205 \times 4 = 205×4=20 Subtraction: 20−7=1320 - 7 = 1320−7=13 First parentheses result: 131313Then, evaluate expressions inside the second parentheses (19−42)(19 - 4^2)(19−42):
Exponent first: 42=164^2 = 1642=16 Subtraction: 19−16=319 - 16 = 319−16=3 Second parentheses result: 333Finally, add the results from both parentheses:
13+3=1613 + 3 = 1613+3=16Therefore, (15÷3×4−7)+(19−42)=16(15 \div 3 \times 4 - 7) + (19 - 4^2) = 16(15÷3×4−7)+(19−42)=16
Comments(8)PProgrammerLeoNovember 6, 2025I've used this expression definition with my students. It's clear and really helped them grasp the concept. Great resource!AAnalystBobNovember 4, 2025This glossary def of 'expression' is great! I've used it to help my students grasp the concept. Clear examples make it super easy to understand.NNatureLover92September 17, 2025I’ve used the clear definition and examples here to help my kids understand expressions better. The step-by-step problem-solving tips are a lifesaver for explaining tricky concepts!MCMs. CarterSeptember 10, 2025I’ve been using this page to help my kids understand algebra better. The clear examples and step-by-step explanation of expressions really made it click for them. Great resource!MCMs. CarterAugust 27, 2025This glossary page was super helpful! I used the clear examples to explain expressions to my 6th grader, and it really clicked for them. Love how it breaks down the difference between numerical and algebraic expressions!svg]:px-3 dk:w-auto h-10 dk:h-14 rounded-lg dk:rounded-[15px] px-5 dk:px-7.5 text-sm dk:text-xl text-[#3467FF] bg-white hover:bg-white">Load MoreExplore More TermsDiagonal of Parallelogram FormulaFraction Less than OneMetric SystemSurveyThousandthsTypes of AnglesView All Math TermsRecommended Interactive LessonsDivide by 13Math3.OA.C.7Identify Patterns in the Multiplication Table3Math3.OA.D.9Divide by 33Math3.OA.C.7Compare Same Denominator Fractions Using Pizza Models3Math3.NF.A.3dMultiply Easily Using the Distributive Property3Math3.OA.B.5Write Multiplication Equations for Arrays3Math3.OA.A.1View All Interactive LessonsRecommended VideosAdd within 100 Fluently2Math2.NBT.B.5The Distributive Property3Math3.OA.B.5Multiply by 3 and 43Math3.OA.C.7Divide by 2, 5, and 103Math3.OA.C.7Multiplication Patterns of Decimals5Math5.NBT.A.2Solve Equations Using Multiplication And Division Property Of Equality6Math6.EE.B.7, 6.EE.B.5View All VideosRecommended WorksheetsAdd within 10KMathK.OA.A.2, K.OA.A.5Cubes and SphereKMathK.G.A.2, K.G.B.4Identify and Count Dollars Bills2Math2.MD.C.8Addition and Subtraction Patterns3Math3.OA.D.9Multiply Mixed Numbers by Whole Numbers4Math4.NF.B.4bAdd Fractions With Unlike Denominators5Math5.NF.A.1View All WorksheetsRecommended Coloring PagesCoral atoll with a simple ring shape and a few fish swimming aroundPre-K – KAll SubjectsWaiter standing in front of a table with a tray1 – 2All SubjectsHong Kong skyline with famous buildings like IFC and Bank of China Tower1 – 2All SubjectsCross with a wreath and a sunrise in the background symbolizing resurrection3 – 4All SubjectsVelociraptor chasing another dinosaur in a jungle3 – 4All SubjectsFuchsia flower with detailed leaves and a small bird on a branch3 – 4All SubjectsView All Coloring PagesRecommended BlogsView All Blog PostsQUICK LINKSAbout UsPrivacy PolicyTerms of ServiceTOOLSHomework HelperGuide DesignerPodcast MakerPlan BuilderRESOURCESMath GlossaryEnglish GlossaryEnglish Language ArtsMathematicsScienceBook InsightsFun with WordsBlog© 2025 EDU.COM. All rights reserved.智能索引记录
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