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equation

Syllabification: (e·qua·tion)
Pronunciation: /iˈkwāZHən/
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Definition of equation

noun

  • 1 Mathematics a statement that the values of two mathematical expressions are equal (indicated by the sign =).
  • 2the process of equating one thing with another:the equation of science with objectivity
  • (the equation) a situation or problem in which several factors must be taken into account:money also came into the equation
  • 3 Chemistry a symbolic representation of the changes that occur in a chemical reaction, expressed in terms of the formulae of the molecules or other species involved.

Phrases

equation of the first order, (second order, etc.)

Mathematics an equation involving only the first derivative, second derivative, etc..

Origin:

late Middle English: from Latin aequatio(n-), from aequare 'make equal' (see equate)

equation in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of equation in the British & World English dictionary