equation
/ɪˈkweɪʒ(ə)n
/noun
1 Mathematics A statement that the values of two mathematical expressions are equal (indicated by the sign =).It also contains continued fractions, quadratic equations, sums of power series and a table of sines....
- When I pressed him to write an equation expressing the value for a, he insisted that he would need a symbol for within.
- Now express the pattern as a mathematical equation.
Synonyms
mathematical problem, sum, calculation, question;
equality
2 [mass noun] The process of equating one thing with another: the equation of science with objectivity...
- As relationships go, I realized this simple equation of life.
- I feel that I have developed some sort of equation with them.
- And can you tell us, are you concerned about second-guessing on that whole equation?
Synonyms
equating, equalization, identification, association, connection, likening, matching;
equivalence, likeness, identity, correspondence, agreement, comparison, balance, balancing
2.1 (the equation) A situation in which several factors must be taken into account: money also came into the equation...
- Another factor in the equation: Used equipment must compete with new equipment in the marketplace.
- Once all that is figured out, the most confusing factor in the equation must be pondered: playing time.
- When pressure of competition was factored into the equation, the situation changed.
Synonyms
the situation, the problem, the case, the question, the quandary, the predicament
3 Chemistry A symbolic representation of the changes which occur in a chemical reaction, expressed in terms of the formulae of the molecules or other species involved.When hydrolysis occurs, we will write a chemical equation to describe it, and new species will be formed in solution....
- The chemical equations for some reactions may have a lone reactant or a single product.
- I asked as I balanced a chemical equation and answered some questions.
Phrases
equation of the first (or second etc.) order
Origin
Late Middle English: from Latin aequatio(n-), from aequare 'make equal' (see equate).