Practice Identity vs Equation in Math

Use these practice problems to test your method after reviewing the concept explanation and worked examples.

Quick Recap

An identity is an equation that holds true for all possible values of the variable, such as (a+b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2. A conditional equation is true only for specific values, like x + 3 = 7 (true only when x = 4).

a + a = 2a is always true (identity). x + 3 = 7 is only true when x = 4 (equation).

Example 1

easy
Is 2(x + 3) = 2x + 6 an identity or an equation with specific solutions?

Example 2

medium
Classify: (a) x^2 - 1 = (x+1)(x-1) and (b) x^2 - 1 = 0.

Example 3

easy
Is 5x = 20 an identity or an equation?

Example 4

medium
Is a(b + c) = ab + ac an identity?
← Back to Identity vs Equation Worked Examples Formula Explained