When teaching expression and equations, it is important that your students understand the difference between an expression and an equation. Students often confuse the concept of simplifying and solving. Expressions are simplified and equations are solved. The main basis for simplifying is the proper use of the order of operations. Think of ways to help students remember the order of operations. Emphasize that they must do these operating from left to right. In an equation, the goal is to isolate the variable on one side of an equal sign by using inverse operations.