Is the equation identity or conditional?
3(x+2)=3x+6
3(x+4)=3x+4
Expand the both sides of the equal sign and compare.
If both sides are identical, it is an identity, i.e. equality for all values of x.
If the two sides are not identical, it is an equation, valid only for certain values of x.
For example,
5(x+2)=5x+10
expand
5x+10=5x+10
both sides are identical, so it is an identity.