equation

/iˈkweɪʒɪn/

/ɪˈkweɪʒən/

Other forms: equations

In an equation, the quantities on both sides of the equal sign are equal. That's the mathematical meaning of equation, but equation can also be used in any number of situations, challenges, or efforts to solve a problem.

The "equa" at the beginning of equation will be familiar from other words such as "equal," "equality," and "equate." All of these words have to do with making things balance out. An equation is a statement of the equality of two quantities. If that equation is not a mathematical one but rather, say, an interpersonal one, it's still a situation in which you might try to make the two sides equal. For example, taking marriage out of the equation might make it easier for two people to decide to stay together for a while.

Definitions of equation

1. noun

   a mathematical statement that two expressions are equal
   types:

   regression equation, regression of y on x

   the equation representing the relation between selected values of one variable (x) and observed values of the other (y); it permits the prediction of the most probable values of y

   linear equation

   a polynomial equation of the first degree

   quadratic, quadratic equation

   an equation in which the highest power of an unknown quantity is a square

   biquadratic, biquadratic equation

   an equation of the fourth degree

   differential equation

   an equation containing differentials of a function

   simultaneous equations

   a set of equations in two or more variables for which there are values that can satisfy all the equations simultaneously

   exponential equation

   an equation involving exponential functions of a variable

   Maxwell's equations

   four differential equations that summarize classical properties of electromagnetic fields

   partial differential equation

   a differential equation involving a functions of more than one variable

   Schrodinger equation, Schrodinger wave equation

   the fundamental equation of wave mechanics

   wave equation

   a differential equation that describes the passage of harmonic waves through a medium

   type of:

   mathematical statement

   a statement of a mathematical relation
2. noun

   the act of regarding as equal
   synonyms: equating

   type of:

   equalisation, equalization, leveling

   the act of making equal or uniform
3. noun

   a state of being essentially equal or equivalent; equally balanced
   synonyms: equality, equivalence, par

   types:

   egalite, egality

   social and political equality

   tie

   equality of score in a contest

   deuce

   a tie in tennis or table tennis that requires winning two successive points to win the game

   type of:

   position, status

   the relative position or standing of things or especially persons in a society