equa·tion 
/ɪˈkweɪʒən/ noun
plural equa·tions /ɪˈkweɪʒən/ noun 1 [count] mathematics : a statement that two expressions are equal (such as 8 + 3 = 11 or 2x – 3 = 7)
▪ solve an equation 2 [count] : a complicated situation or issue — usually singular ▪ Helping a troubled teenager is more difficult when drugs are part of the equation. [=when drugs are involved] ▪ The southern states will be an important part of the election equation. 3 [noncount] : the act of regarding two things as the same : the act of equating things
▪ the equation of material wealth with/and happiness
▪ solve an equation
▪ the equation of material wealth with/and happiness
