Mathematics for Machine Learning Series: Let's start with Algebra basics
Ever catch yourself using math without realizing it? Why, of course! But let's be real, terms like "expression" and "equation" still spin our heads a little.
The not-so-dreadful news is: the difference at the heart of it is mind-numbingly simple. It all boils down to the little equals sign.
On your way to the explanation:
Variables: Your Mathmatically Literate Vulture
Think about a variable, such as a friendly little 'x,' 'd,' or 'n,' as representing a number that we know nothing about just yet. Essentially, it's a blank canvas just waiting to be colored in!
Expressions (The Math "Phrase"): Flexible Offers
An expression is a straggle of mathematical words. It's made up of its allowable soldiers-numbers, variables (+, -, ×, ÷)-alas! There's no killer '='.
The Key Idea: Its value can change! If 'x' starts having a different value, the entire expression starts to change.
Example: x+7 (The whole expression will revolve around whatever 'x' feels like being today.)
Example: 3d (We just can't say anything until 'd' does the honors.")
Equations (The Math "Sentence"): Balance is Acquired
An equation is like a whole mathematical sentence that is simply a matter of balance. The star act is undoubtedly the equals sign (=) hanging over there.
The Key: The variable has one specific, set-value aimed to make the sentence true. Your job is to solve the equation and discover the perfect value for 'x.'
For instance: x+7=11 (Well, isn't that quite easy? Now, 'x' has got to be 4 if we are to make the sense stand.)
For instance: 3d=39 (Hard for you to imagine 'd' as else but 13.)
Here's the gist:
Expressions are rather slippery creatures that like to change their numbers.
Whereas equations land on some solid standings of findings, which are solved straight to specific values.
Gaining this understanding is a significant jump for you in the world of mathematics, so you can try to help your kids with their homework, bash numbers at your job, or maybe just sound smart at a gathering.
Ever catch yourself using math without realizing it? Why, of course! But let's be real, terms like "expression" and "equation" still spin our heads a little.
The not-so-dreadful news is: the difference at the heart of it is mind-numbingly simple. It all boils down to the little equals sign.
On your way to the explanation:
Variables: Your Mathmatically Literate Vulture
Think about a variable, such as a friendly little 'x,' 'd,' or 'n,' as representing a number that we know nothing about just yet. Essentially, it's a blank canvas just waiting to be colored in!
Expressions (The Math "Phrase"): Flexible Offers
An expression is a straggle of mathematical words. It's made up of its allowable soldiers-numbers, variables (+, -, ×, ÷)-alas! There's no killer '='.
The Key Idea: Its value can change! If 'x' starts having a different value, the entire expression starts to change.
Example: x+7 (The whole expression will revolve around whatever 'x' feels like being today.)
Example: 3d (We just can't say anything until 'd' does the honors.")
Equations (The Math "Sentence"): Balance is Acquired
An equation is like a whole mathematical sentence that is simply a matter of balance. The star act is undoubtedly the equals sign (=) hanging over there.
The Key: The variable has one specific, set-value aimed to make the sentence true. Your job is to solve the equation and discover the perfect value for 'x.'
For instance: x+7=11 (Well, isn't that quite easy? Now, 'x' has got to be 4 if we are to make the sense stand.)
For instance: 3d=39 (Hard for you to imagine 'd' as else but 13.)
Here's the gist:
Expressions are rather slippery creatures that like to change their numbers.
Whereas equations land on some solid standings of findings, which are solved straight to specific values.
Gaining this understanding is a significant jump for you in the world of mathematics, so you can try to help your kids with their homework, bash numbers at your job, or maybe just sound smart at a gathering.
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