equating to zero

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "equating to zero" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in mathematical contexts to indicate that a value or expression is equal to zero. Example: "To solve the equation, we need to find the variable that is equating to zero."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Upon formal substitution of (7) in (2), equating to zero the coefficients of zero and first degree powers of ε, we arrive at the following system of PDEs: L 0 : = w 0 t t − f ( w 0 x ) w 0 x x = 0, (9).

Boundary Value Problems

Equating to zero the coefficients of zero and first degree powers of ε, we obtain an approximate Lie operator which permits to solve in hierarchy the invariance condition of the system (9 - 10) starting from the classification of unperturbed nonlinear wave equation (3).

Boundary Value Problems

Upon formal substitution, equating to zero the coefficients of zero and first degree powers of ε, we get the following one-parameter Lie group of infinitesimal transformations in the ( t, x, w 0, w 1 ) -space t ˆ = t + a ξ 0 1 ( t, x, w 0 ) + O ( a 2 ), (11).

Boundary Value Problems

The healthy and diseased steady-states were calculated using Matlab function fsolve to solve the system of equations in Figure 2B after equating to zero the time derivative terms.

BMC Systems Biology

Equating to zero the coefficients of the terms in each of the last three expressions, respectively, one obtains 18 equations as functions of the 18 unknown constants.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Equating to zero the coefficient determinant one obtains the frequency equation, and solving the last equation one obtains the natural frequencies of the immersed wedge beam.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

In a hearing straight after the close, the match referee, Ranjan Madugalle, imposed two suspension points on Afridi, equating to two T20 matches for his country.

The Guardian - Sport

For fish from these areas, the monthly limit was a mere quarter of a serving, equating to three servings a year.

The Guardian

At each position the exposure time was five seconds, equating to fifty spectra being collected and then averaged.

Heritage Science

Validation showed that the assay is robust, rapid, economical, reproducible, specific, and sensitive down to 12,500 mitochondrial copy (equating to seven fg).

Food Chemistry

Govia Thameslink was at 5.1%, roughly equating to one train in every 20 being either significantly late, terminated early or cancelled, fractionally worse than last year.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "equating to zero" in mathematical or scientific writing, ensure the context clearly explains why the equation is being set to zero. This often involves finding a maximum, minimum, or steady state.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "equating to zero" automatically implies a causal relationship. While setting an equation to zero can help find solutions, it doesn't inherently explain why the value becomes zero. Always provide the underlying reasoning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "equating to zero" functions primarily as a verbal phrase within mathematical and scientific contexts. It indicates the act of setting a mathematical expression or variable to a value of zero. This is used as a means to solve equations, find critical points, or determine equilibrium, aligning with what Ludwig AI describes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "equating to zero" is a verbal phrase commonly used in mathematical and scientific contexts to describe the act of setting a value or expression to zero for problem-solving. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage in academic, scientific, and technical domains. Related phrases include "setting equal to zero" and "making equal to zero". While grammatically sound, it’s important to ensure the underlying reasoning is clear when using this phrase, especially to avoid misinterpreting causal relationships. As a mathematical term, understanding its purpose and application is essential for clear and precise communication in technical writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

setting equal to zero

Focuses on the action of setting something to zero, emphasizing the manipulation involved.

making equal to zero

Highlights the process of transforming a value to zero, implying a change or adjustment.

zeroing out

Implies a complete removal or setting to zero, often used in data or financial contexts.

reducing to zero

Highlights the process of decreasing a value until it reaches zero.

bringing to zero

Similar to reducing, but emphasizes the action of bringing something towards zero.

forcing to be zero

Emphasizes that the zero value is not a natural outcome but enforced.

making nil

Uses "nil" as a synonym for zero, often used in programming or formal contexts.

setting to naught

A more formal or archaic way of saying setting to zero.

setting to null

Using "null" in place of zero, common in programming and database contexts.

nullifying

Emphasizes the result of making something ineffective or zero, often used in a more general context.

FAQs

How is "equating to zero" typically used in mathematical contexts?

In mathematics, "equating to zero" is often used to find the roots of an equation, determine equilibrium points, or optimize functions. It involves setting an expression equal to zero and then solving for the variable(s) that satisfy the equation.

What does "equating to zero" mean in the context of optimization?

In optimization problems, "equating to zero" often refers to setting the derivative of a function equal to zero to find critical points (maxima, minima, or saddle points). This helps identify where the function's rate of change is zero, indicating a potential optimal solution.

What are some alternatives to "equating to zero" in scientific writing?

Alternatives include "setting equal to zero", "making equal to zero", or "zeroing out" depending on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is there a difference between "equating to zero" and "setting to zero"?

While the phrases are very similar, "equating to zero" emphasizes the equality being established, whereas "setting to zero" emphasizes the action of making something zero. In most contexts, they are interchangeable, but the subtle difference can influence the tone or focus of the sentence.