Which of the following is NOT a use of the equals sign in mathematical equations?

Which of the following is NOT a use of the equals sign in mathematical equations?

• A. To show two expressions are equivalent
• B. To indicate subtraction
• C. To separate terms in an equation
• D. To equalize values in an equation

Answer: (B)

The equals sign is primarily used in mathematics to indicate that two expressions are equivalent or represent the same value. When you see an equals sign between two expressions, it signifies that the value on the left-hand side is the same as the value on the right-hand side. This basic principle underlies its use in various contexts, such as solving equations or verifying identities. In this context, indicating subtraction is not a legitimate use of the equals sign. While subtraction is a mathematical operation that can occur in an equation, it is not represented by the equals sign itself. Instead, subtraction is denoted by the minus sign (-). The equals sign is also used to separate terms in an equation, by indicating the point at which one side corresponds to the other side in value. Furthermore, it serves to equalize values, drawing attention to the relationship of equality between the two sides of the equation.

The equals sign is primarily used in mathematics to indicate that two expressions are equivalent or represent the same value. When you see an equals sign between two expressions, it signifies that the value on the left-hand side is the same as the value on the right-hand side. This basic principle underlies its use in various contexts, such as solving equations or verifying identities.

In this context, indicating subtraction is not a legitimate use of the equals sign. While subtraction is a mathematical operation that can occur in an equation, it is not represented by the equals sign itself. Instead, subtraction is denoted by the minus sign (-).

The equals sign is also used to separate terms in an equation, by indicating the point at which one side corresponds to the other side in value. Furthermore, it serves to equalize values, drawing attention to the relationship of equality between the two sides of the equation.