Certainly! Let's examine the given options to determine which one is an equation:
1. [tex]\( 5 + 3w = 20 \)[/tex]
2. [tex]\( 3 \)[/tex]
3. [tex]\( 5 + 3w \)[/tex]
4. [tex]\( w \)[/tex]
An equation is a mathematical statement that asserts the equality of two expressions. To identify which of these options is an equation, we need to look for a statement that has two sides separated by an equal sign ([tex]\( = \)[/tex]).
1. [tex]\( 5 + 3w = 20 \)[/tex]
This option clearly shows two expressions ([tex]\( 5 + 3w \)[/tex] and [tex]\( 20 \)[/tex]) being equated. This is an equation because it asserts that [tex]\( 5 + 3w \)[/tex] is equal to [tex]\( 20 \)[/tex].
2. [tex]\( 3 \)[/tex]
This option is simply a number and does not assert equality between two expressions. It is not an equation.
3. [tex]\( 5 + 3w \)[/tex]
This option is a mathematical expression, but it does not have an equal sign. It states nothing about the equality of two expressions. Therefore, it is not an equation.
4. [tex]\( w \)[/tex]
This option is a single variable, and like the others, it does not assert any equality. It is not an equation.
Thus, the only option that is an equation is:
[tex]\[ 5 + 3w = 20 \][/tex]
Therefore, the correct answer is:
\[ 1 \) [tex]\( 5 + 3w = 20 \)[/tex]
