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Mathematics vocabulary · Algebra and Equations

Equation

Meaning in mathematics, with examples

/ɪˈkweɪʒən/nounCore term

In mathematics, equation means: A mathematical statement with an equals sign, showing that two expressions have the same value, such as 2x + 3 = 11.

In Turkish: denklem, eşitlik

How it is used

The central word of algebra. You write, set up, solve, rearrange and check an equation; its two parts are the left-hand side and the right-hand side. In word problems, teachers often ask you to 'form an equation' from the text.

Example sentences

  1. Set up an equation for the total cost and solve it for x.

  2. This equation has two solutions, so don't stop after finding the first one.

Common collocations

  • solve an equation
  • set up an equation
  • linear equation
  • both sides of the equation
  • rearrange an equation
  • expressionA combination of numbers, variables and operation signs, such as 4x² − 3x + 7, that has no equals sign and can be simplified or evaluated.
  • variableA letter or symbol, such as x or y, that stands for a number which can change or which you do not know yet.
  • solveTo find the value or values of an unknown that make an equation or inequality true, or to find the answer to a problem.
  • quadratic equationAn equation in which the highest power of the variable is 2, written in the form ax² + bx + c = 0, where a is not zero.
  • inequalityA statement that compares two values using <, >, ≤ or ≥, such as 2x + 1 > 7, showing that one side is larger or smaller than the other.

More terms: Algebra and Equations

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