EQUATION


Meaning of EQUATION in English

e ‧ qua ‧ tion AC /ɪˈkweɪʒ ə n/ BrE AmE noun

1 . [countable] a statement in mathematics that shows that two amounts or totals are equal ⇨ algebra :

In the equation 2x + 1 = 7, what is x?

2 . [countable usually singular] the set of different facts, ideas, or people that all affect a situation and must be considered together:

The tourist industry forms a crucial part of the region’s economic equation.

The question of cost has now entered the equation.

3 . [singular] when you consider that two things are similar or connected:

the equation of violence with power

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COLLOCATIONS (for Meaning 1)

■ verbs

▪ solve an equation

For homework, solve the equations on page 56.

▪ work out an equation

I spent over an hour trying to work out the equation.

■ adjectives

▪ a mathematical equation

a set of mathematical equations

▪ a quadratic equation (=one that involves an unknown quantity that is multiplied by itself)

■ phrases

▪ a side of an equation (=the letters and numbers on one side of an equals sign)

Find the square root of both sides of the equation.

▪ the left-hand/right-hand side of an equation

Add up what you've got on the right-hand side of the equation.

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COLLOCATIONS (for Meaning 2)

■ adjectives

▪ a complex equation

New factors are beginning to affect what is an already complex equation.

■ verbs

▪ something enters/comes into the equation (=something begins to have an effect)

Consumer confidence also enters the equation.

▪ bring something into the equation (=introduce a new idea for people to consider )

It all becomes more complicated once you bring money into the equation.

■ phrases

▪ a part of the equation

The tourist industry is a crucial part of the country’s overall economic equation.

▪ a side of an equation

We need to discuss the financial side of the equation.

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English.      Longman - Словарь современного английского языка.