What is an Identity Equation?

What is an Identity Equation?

Note:

Identity equations are equations that are true no matter what value is plugged in for the variable. If you simplify an identity equation, you'll ALWAYS get a true statement. Learn about identity equations in this tutorial, and then create your own identity equation. Get creative! The possibilities are endless!

Keywords:

  • problem
  • equal sides
  • always true
  • identity value
  • identity equations
  • same number
  • equal both sides
  • equal
  • simplify
  • same sides
  • identical
  • equal answers
  • like terms
  • variables
  • variables cancel
  • distributive property
  • using distributive property
  • same

Background Tutorials

  • Evaluate expressions at specific values of their variables. Include expressions that arise from formulas used in real-world problems. Perform arithmetic operations, including those involving whole-number exponents, in the conventional order when there are no parentheses to specify a particular order (Order of Operations).

      • What is a Variable?What is a Variable?

      What is a Variable?

      You can't do algebra without working with variables, but variables can be confusing. If you've ever wondered what variables are, then this tutorial is for you!

  • Apply the properties of operations to generate equivalent expressions.

      • What is the Distributive Property?What is the Distributive Property?

      What is the Distributive Property?

      The distributive property is a very deep math principle that helps make math work. It's the rule that lets you expand parentheses, and so it's really critical to understand if you want to get good at simplifying expressions. So check out the tutorial and let us know what you think!

Further Exploration

  • Give examples of linear equations in one variable with one solution, infinitely many solutions, or no solutions. Show which of these possibilities is the case by successively transforming the given equation into simpler forms, until an equivalent equation of the form x = a, a = a, or a = b results (where a and b are different numbers).

      • How Do You Solve an Identity Equation?How Do You Solve an Identity Equation?

      How Do You Solve an Identity Equation?

      Trying to solve an equation with variables on both sides of the equation? Figure out how to get those variables together and solve the equation with this tutorial!

      • What Does It Mean When An Equation Has No Solution?What Does It Mean When An Equation Has No Solution?

      What Does It Mean When An Equation Has No Solution?

      Sometimes equations have no solution. This means that no matter what value is plugged in for the variable, you will ALWAYS get a contradiction. Watch this tutorial and learn what it takes for an equation to have no solution.