1. Let's clarify what "is it really equal?" means by considering an example or expression you want to verify. 2. To check equality between two expressions, we use algebraic manipulation or substitution to see if both sides simplify to the same value. 3. For example, if you want to check if $a + b = b + a$, we use the commutative property of addition which states that the order of addition does not affect the sum. 4. So, $a + b = b + a$ is true for all real numbers $a$ and $b$. 5. If you provide a specific expression or equation, I can show step-by-step how to verify if both sides are equal. 6. Please share the exact expressions or equations you want to check for equality.