What is a Mathematical Equation?

An equation is often defined as a mathematical statement consisting of two or more expressions connected through the ”equal to(=)” sign. For instance, 3a + 5 = 15 will be identified as an equation, where 3a+15 is one part of the mathematical equation, and 14 is the other. In each mathematical equation, both sides will always be equal to each other (LHS = RHS) and can be used for calculating the value of the unknown variable, which in turn also represents an unknown quantity.  


As mentioned above, an equation needs to have the ”equal to” sign; in the absence of it, the numbers or value will be considered an ”expression.” 

There are different components in each math equation, which usually include the following: 

  • Coefficients
  • Variables
  • Terms
  • Constants
  • Expressions 

Types of Math Equations

There are several types of math equations, some of which are listed below:1 

  • Linear equation
  • Rational equation 
  • Cubic equation 
  • Quadratic equation 

While linear equations are those where the highest power of a variable is 1, a cubic equation is one where one of the variables is raised to the exponent 3.

In addition to this, a quadratic equation will always have one variable raised to the exponent 2. 

Most of these equations are used in our daily lives, finding application in both academic and non-academic scenarios.

In this article, we’ll try and identify all such scenarios, helping you develop a better understanding of mathematical equations and their applications. 2, 4

  1. In the Field of Architectural Design (Using Pythagorean Theorem) 

This is one of the most popular uses of math equations in real life. To that end, the Pythagorean theorem is often used to find the length of an unknown side or the steepness of a slope, and the angle of a triangle. Named after the Greek mathematician Pythagoras, it is used extensively in the field of architectural design. 

For those unaware, this is how the equation works: The hypotenuse of a triangle will be equal to the total of the squares on the other two sides of the triangle.

It must also be noted that in a right-angled (90-degree) triangle, the hypotenuse is its longest side, situated opposite to the right angle. You can see the application of this equation in building bridges, houses, and ramps, among others.

  1. For Measuring the pH of a Substance or Chemical 

In school, you may have witnessed your chemistry teacher dipping tiny strips of paper into a chemical substance, eventually leading to the paper changing its colour.


Do you know why this process is used? Simply put, this helps you test a substance’s acidity and is also known as the pH scale. In this process, you often apply logarithms to your equations. The logarithm is the power to which a number is raised to get a new value. 

Measuring the pH scale not only helps test a substance’s acidity but is also required to balance the pH level in household items like detergents and toothpaste. This helps you ensure that the products are suitable for daily use and don’t have any side effects whatsoever.

  1. In the Field of Cryptology 

Another popular use of math equations in daily life is in the field of cryptology. Cryptology is the study of codes and their solution. Researchers and cryptology experts often use mathematical equations to encrypt confidential data on the Internet and ensure data security. 

The Fibonacci series is a sequence consisting of different values, where each consecutive number is equal to the sum of the two numbers preceding it. Apart from cryptology, this concept is often found in nature (in trees and flowers).2

  1. In the Field of Research and Development 

Researchers and scientists often use different math equations while researching new technologies and their implementation. It is also used for analyzing bacterial growth and decay by observing how they react to different combinations and situations.3

Exponential functions and equations are integral for science as they help scientists track the growth of several harmful bacteria and diseases.

  1. In the Field of Baking or Cooking 

We often incorporate the concept of fractions in the kitchen. You may have noticed how chefs use it to measure portions, especially while preparing recipes without specific serving sizes. This, in turn, helps you avoid food waste.4 

The above examples prove that mathematical equations go a long way, finding usage in various everyday scenarios. If you’re interested in reading about more such topics, check out BYJU’s FutureSchool blog today! 

References
Indeed Editorial Team. (2021, May 4). Algebraic Mathematical Equations: Definitions, Types and Examples. Indeed. Retrieved November 8, 2022, from https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/types-of-equations

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