Equal means they have the same end value, like 5 + 5 + 5 = 3 • 5 = 5 • 3 = 15. Equivalent means not only are they equal, they are also of the same data type. In other words, they mean the same thing. Depending on the language, numbers and expressions that look the same don't always mean the same.

Is equivalent the same as equal?

Main Difference – Equal vs. Equivalent. Equal and equivalent are terms that are used frequently in mathematics. The main difference between equal and equivalent is that the term equal refers to things that are similar in all aspects, whereas the term equivalent refers to things that are similar in a particular aspect.

Is equal short for equivalent?

The equal set definition is that when two sets have the same elements. ... The equivalent set definition states that in a simple set, there is an equal number of elements. Equivalent sets do not have to hold the same number but the same number of elements.