You know, I still remember the day this tiny word “is” confused me more than any long equation ever did. I was sitting with my notebook open, staring at a simple math problem, and the word “is” kept popping up. At first, I thought, “It’s just a normal English word, right?” But the more I solved, the more I noticed that in math, “is” behaves like a secret code.
I’ll be honest with you — I got stuck. It felt silly, but I kept asking myself, “What does ‘is’ actually mean in math?” And that’s when things clicked. I figured out that this tiny word wasn’t just a word… it was a bridge, a connector, a signal that something important was happening in the equation.
So today, I want to walk you through that same realization — the exact way I understood it. Imagine I’m sitting right beside you, explaining it like a friend who already struggled with it and finally cracked the code.
What Does “Is” Mean in Text?
In text or casual writing, “is” is just a regular verb that links a subject to a description. But in math, it’s more precise: it tells you that two things are equal.
For example:
5 + 3 is 8
Here, “is” connects the expression 5 + 3 to its value 8, basically saying 5 + 3 = 8.
In short:
Is = equals = shows that two things are the same in value.
Where Is “Is” Commonly Used?
The word “is” pops up in many places, especially in mathematics and educational contexts. Here’s where you’ll see it most:
- 📚 Textbooks – When writing equations in plain English.
- 📝 Homework & worksheets – Teachers often write “5 + 3 is 8” instead of using the = sign.
- 💻 Online forums – Math help groups, Reddit, StackExchange.
- 🎓 Classroom explanations – Teachers explain problems verbally, saying “x is 10.”
Tone:
- Formal in math explanations.
- Neutral in educational or tutoring settings.
- Rarely casual — unlike texting slang.
Examples of “Is” in Conversation
Here are some realistic examples of how “is” might appear in math-related chats or homework help:
Example 1
A: What’s 7 + 2?
B: 7 + 2 is 9 😄
Example 2
A: If x is 5, what’s x + 3?
B: x + 3 is 8
Example 3
A: How do I solve this? 12 – 4 …
B: 12 – 4 is 8
Example 4
A: Is the answer 15 for this sum?
B: Yes, 7 + 8 is 15 ✅
Example 5
A: I’m stuck on this one. 3 × 4 …
B: 3 × 4 is 12
Example 6
A: What is the square of 6?
B: 6 squared is 36
When to Use and When Not to Use “Is”
✅ When to Use:
- Explaining math problems to friends or students
- Writing equations in words
- Texting peers about homework
- Teaching or tutoring online
❌ When Not to Use:
- Writing formal research papers or proofs (use = instead)
- Urgent professional reports
- Coding or programming expressions
| Context | Example Phrase | Why It Works |
| Friend Chat | “7 + 2 is 9 😄” | Casual & friendly |
| Work Chat | “Take your time.” | Polite & professional |
| “Please take your time to review this.” | Formal & clear |
Similar Slang Words or Alternatives
| Slang/Word | Meaning | When to Use |
| = | Equals | Math, coding, formal writing |
| ≈ | Approximately equals | Estimations, casual math |
| == | Equal (in programming) | Coding, technical contexts |
| is equal to | Formal math expression | Writing, explanations, teaching |
| becomes | Transition to result | Step-by-step problem solving |
FAQs About “Is” in Math
Q1: Can “is” be replaced with =?
A1: Yes! In most equations, “is” is interchangeable with =.
Q2: Is “is” informal or formal in math?
A2: It’s formal and neutral, especially in teaching or written explanations.
Q3: Can “is” be used in coding?
A3: Rarely. Programming usually uses == for equality checks.
Q4: Does “is” mean the same as “equals”?
A4: Yes, it shows that two expressions have the same value.
Q5: Is “is” used in everyday conversation?
A5: Only in teaching, tutoring, or casual explanations of math problems.
Conclusion
Understanding what “is” means in math can make reading equations and solving problems much easier. It’s a simple word with a precise function: connecting expressions to their values.
Whether you’re texting a friend about homework or explaining a formula, using “is” correctly shows clarity and accuracy. Next time you see 5 + 3 is 8, you’ll instantly know it’s just another way of writing 5 + 3 = 8.
