Equation (nonfiction)

The first use of an equals sign, equivalent to 14x + 15 = 71 in modern notation. From The Whetstone of Witte by Robert Recorde of Wales (1557).

In mathematics, an equation is a statement of an equality containing one or more variables.

Solving the equation consists of determining which values of the variables make the equality true.

Variables are also called unknowns and the values of the unknowns which satisfy the equality are called solutions of the equation.

There are two kinds of equations: identities and conditional equations:

• An identity is true for all values of the variable.
• A conditional equation is true for only particular values of the variables.

Each side of an equation will contain one or more terms.

Fiction cross-reference

• Gnomon algorithm
• Mathematics

Nonfiction cross-reference

• Mathematics (nonfiction)

External links:

• Differential equation @ Wikipedia