Equation
/ɪˈkweɪ.ʒən/noun
A statement that two expressions are equal, or the process of finding such a statement.
Did you know?Equation ultimately comes from Latin *aequus* meaning “level, even, fair,” the same ancient root behind words for equality and equilibrium—so math’s most precise language began with the idea of balance.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₂eḱ-
“sharp; pointed”
Latin
Latin
aequus
“level, even, fair”
Late Latin
Latin
aequātiō
“an equalizing; a making even”
Old French
Old French
equation
“equalization; balancing”
14th–15th Century
English
equation
“the action of making equal; later, a mathematical statement of equality”
Modern English
English
equation
“a mathematical statement asserting that two expressions are equal”
Explore more surprising origins