equation
gb/ɪkwˈeɪʒən/ us/ɪkwˈeɪʒən/
A2
English
~ 2500
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
entity
1
Mathematical statement of equality
A math sentence that says two things are the same, using an equals sign.
Usage pattern:
[someone] solves [an equation]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'equation' with 'expression'; an expression does not have an equals sign, but an equation does.
Synonyms
formula (Similar in mathematics, but a formula expresses a relationship, not necessarily an equality to solve.)
Collocations
solve an equation
|linear equation
|quadratic equation
|balance an equation
|equation in x
Themes
mathematics
|education
|science
Examples
- The teacher asked us to solve the equation for x.
- This equation represents the relationship between distance, speed, and time.
- Balancing a chemical equation ensures mass is conserved.
- He used a simple equation to calculate the monthly payment.
- The graph shows the solution set for the given equation.
Learner examples
- I can solve this equation.
- The equation has two numbers.
- We write the equation with an equals sign.
- This is a hard equation for me.
- She checks if the equation is correct.
Noun
B2
state
2
Balance of different factors
A situation where different things have the same importance or effect.
Usage pattern:
the equation between [things]
Common mistake:
Learners may incorrectly think 'equation' here always refers to math; in this sense it's metaphorical for a balanced situation.
Synonyms
balance (Emphasizes stability between elements rather than equality in a mathematical sense.)
Antonyms
imbalance (Refers to a lack of equality or fairness between factors.)
Collocations
political equation
|economic equation
|change the equation
|part of the equation
Themes
relationships
|analysis
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Trust is an important part of the equation in a healthy relationship.
- The new evidence changes the whole political equation.
- In business, customer satisfaction is only one part of the equation.
- Adding more staff could alter the equation of the project’s success.
- Climate change adds a new factor to the environmental equation.
Learner examples
- Trust is part of the equation.
- Money is part of the success equation.
- The new rule changes the equation.
- Many things are in the equation.
- The problem has a new equation now.
Noun
technical
B1
entity
3
Symbolic chemical reaction representation
A way to write a chemical change using symbols and numbers.
Common mistake:
Some learners may confuse chemical equations with mathematical equations; clarify that chemicals use element symbols and coefficients instead of numbers and variables only.
Synonyms
reaction formula (Less common term; specifically refers to chemical reactions.)
Collocations
balance a chemical equation
|chemical reaction equation
|write an equation
Themes
chemistry
|science
|education
Examples
- In chemistry class, we learned how to balance equations.
- This chemical equation shows hydrogen reacting with oxygen to make water.
- Every chemical equation must obey the law of conservation of mass.
- She wrote the equation for photosynthesis on the board.
- The balanced equation shows two molecules of hydrogen for every molecule of oxygen.
Learner examples
- We write the chemical equation on paper.
- This is a chemical equation for water.
- The teacher shows us how to balance an equation.
- The equation has H and O in it.
- This is the chemical equation for fire.
Grammar
Dictionary form
equation
IPA
GB/ɪkwˈeɪʒən/
US/ɪkwˈeɪʒən/
Syllables & stress
equa - tion (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (tion)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: equation
- Plural: equation, equations
Word family
Forms
equations
noun
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
unequal
adjective B2
inequality
noun B2
Advanced or less common
equalization
noun
Expressions
change the equation
1/t͡ʃˈeɪnd͡ʒ ðə ɪkwˈeɪʒən/
fixed phrase
Alter balance or outcome
To make something that changes how a situation works or ends.
Examples
- The new law could change the economic equation completely.
- Her arrival changed the political equation in the city.
part of the equation
1/pˈɑɹt əv ðə ɪkwˈeɪʒən/
fixed phrase
One factor in a situation
One thing that is included when thinking about a situation or problem.
Examples
- Cost is just part of the equation when buying a house.
- In training athletes, diet is part of the equation.