What is the difference between an algebraic expression and an equation? (1 pt.)
define like terms. give an example of like terms and then combine them. (2 pts.)

The primary difference between the two is an equals sign. An "equation" has a left side, a right side and an equals sign separating the sides. An "expression," by contrast, doesn't have any "sides" and is simply what the name suggests: An algebraic "expression." Though sometimes it is possible to combine like terms, we are generally not expected to "do" or "solve" anything regarding expressions.

For example:

3x - 7 = 2

This is an EQUATION, because it has a left side, a right side, and an = sign separating the two.

3x - 7

This is an EXPRESSION, because there are no "sides" and no = sign.