noun
equation
ih-KWAY-zhun/ɪˈkweɪʒn/
A statement that two things have equal value.
The equation on the paper shows that two plus three equals five.
Etymology
From “make equal,” equation originally named an act of equalizing. In mathematics, that became a statement placing two expressions on equal terms, asserting that they have the same value.
In context
Our equation here states that the force between two charged particles is equal to the product of the two charges, divided by the distance between them squared.
More examples
- To solve the equation x + 4 = 9, subtract four from both sides.
- Both sides of an equation must have the same value.
- Her equation of wealth with happiness overlooks other sources of joy.
Forms
equation · equations
equate verb — To treat things as equal or equivalent.