• School Mathematics
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.27-43
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• 2010

In this article the conceptual meaning of expression, equation and identity used in Korean mathematics textbooks and American mathematics textbooks is compared and discussed. For this purpose definitions and examples in several mathematics textbooks which are used in Korean elementary school, the 1st grade of middle school and American middle school are investigated. It is founded out that at first there are some parts that give rise to misunderstanding and then there are differences between the Korean terminologies and their corresponding English counterparts. The definitions of expression, equation and identity are advised to examine in the view of middle mathematics curriculum.