equation
ih-KWAY-zhuhn
Equation (noun) means a mathematical statement that two expressions are equal, usually written with an equals sign. Example: “Our maths homework was to check each equation and show every step.”
noun
1
A mathematical statement that two expressions are equal, usually written with an equals sign.
"Our maths homework was to check each equation and show every step."
"She solved the equation for x."
"The teacher wrote a simple equation on the board: 2x + 3 = 7."
2
A situation involving several interconnected factors that must be balanced or considered together.
"When planning a wedding, the guest list is just one part of the equation."
"Safety, time and money all enter the equation when we choose a holiday."
"Cost is only one part of the equation when choosing a university."
How to use equation
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA math statement showing two things are equal — or, more loosely, all the factors that go into a decision or problem.
Common pairings
solve an equation
part of the equation
balance the equation
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Word forms
- Plural
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Our maths homework was to check each _____ and show every step.
Etymology
From Latin aequatio, "an equalizing," from aequare ("to make equal").
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for equation
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for equation →
Frequently asked questions
What does “equation” mean?
The word “equation” means a mathematical statement that two expressions are equal, usually written with an equals sign. In plain terms, a math statement showing two things are equal — or, more loosely, all the factors that go into a decision or problem.
How do you pronounce “equation”?
“Equation” is pronounced ih-KWAY-zhuhn (/ɪˈkweɪ.ʒən/ in IPA).
How do you use “equation” in a sentence?
Here is “equation” used in a sentence: “She solved the equation for x.”
What part of speech is “equation”?
“Equation” is a noun.
Where does the word “equation” come from?
The word “equation” comes from Latin. From Latin aequatio, "an equalizing," from aequare ("to make equal").
Is “equation” a common word?
“Equation” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “equation” have?
“Equation” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a mathematical statement that two expressions are equal, usually written with an equals sign.
What is the difference between an equation and an expression?
An equation is a mathematical statement that two expressions are equal, and it always contains an equals sign, as in 2x + 1 = 7. An expression, such as 2x + 1 on its own, has no equals sign and simply names a value rather than stating something that can be true or false.
What is the difference between an equation and a formula?
A formula is a rule or relationship expressed in symbols and meant to be reused, such as A = πr² for the area of a circle. An equation is any statement that two expressions are equal, including one-off problems to solve, such as 3x = 12, so most formulas are equations but not every equation is a formula.
What is the difference between an equation and an inequality?
An equation states that two expressions are equal and is written with an equals sign. An inequality states that one expression is greater than or less than another, using symbols such as <, >, ≤, or ≥ instead.
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