- Definition
An expression is a mathematical phrase that combines numbers and symbols, like "3 + 7" or "2x - 1," to show a value.
3 + 7 is an expression that tells you to add 3 and 7.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: A math expression is like a short recipe that tells you what to do with numbers.
Ask your child: If this expression is 3 + 2, what is it telling you to do?
Common mix-up: Kids may think an expression always has an equal sign. An expression can just show a calculation without the answer.
Examples
- 2 × 5 is an expression for '2 groups of 5.'
- 10 − 4 is an expression for 'take 4 away from 10.'
expression is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
+34 more mentions across the curriculum
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
