What does "equation" mean?

1. (mathematics) a mathematical statement that shows two amounts are equal using an equals sign (=). 2. (balancing factors) a situation where you must consider several different things to find a solution or understand a problem. 3. (equating things) the act of treating two different things as if they are the same. 4. (astronomical correction) a small change made to a measurement to fix a regular error.

How do you use "equation"?

Countable; often used with the verbs 'solve', 'balance', or 'derive'. Often used in the phrase 'part of the equation'.

equation

US //ɪˈkweɪʒən// UK //ɪkwˈeɪʒən// equa·tion

1 mathematics (n.)
B1 Intermediate Math

a mathematical statement that shows two amounts are equal using an equals sign (=).

a formal statement of equality between two mathematical expressions, typically containing one or more variables.

Example

The students spent the afternoon solving a difficult algebra equation.

Example

The physicist derived a complex differential equation to model the fluid dynamics of the cooling system.

Usage

Countable; often used with the verbs 'solve', 'balance', or 'derive'.
- calculation
- formula
- inequality
2 balancing factors (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

a situation where you must consider several different things to find a solution or understand a problem.

a complex situation or set of variables that must be balanced or considered as a whole.

Example

Money is only one part of the equation when you are choosing a new job.

Example

When planning urban expansion, environmental preservation must remain a central part of the equation.

Usage

Often used in the phrase 'part of the equation'.

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3 equating things (n.)
C1 Advanced Academic

the act of treating two different things as if they are the same.

the process of equating two or more elements or the state of being equal.

Example

The equation of wealth with happiness is a common mistake in modern society.

Example

The author's simplistic equation of political dissent with treason was widely criticised by civil rights advocates.
- comparison
- identification
- differentiation
4 astronomical correction (n.)
C2 Proficiency Technical Science

a small change made to a measurement to fix a regular error.

a small correction applied to observed values to compensate for systematic errors or variations.

Example

The scientist applied a time equation to the data to get a more accurate result.

Example

The equation of time accounts for the discrepancy between apparent solar time and mean solar time throughout the calendar year.
- correction
- adjustment

Origin

From Old French, from Latin aequātiō (“an equalizing”). Morphologically equate + -ion