the equation above

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the equation above" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a mathematical equation that has been previously mentioned or displayed in the text. Example: "To solve for x, we need to analyze the equation above and isolate the variable."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Thus, the equation above has a unique solution.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

The equation above may be rewritten as follows: (3.22).

Advances in Difference Equations

The equation above can be rewritten in matrix form as (16).

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

The equation above can be used to define a null distribution of recombinant gene-set sizes, Dnull.

Genome Biology and Evolution

Step 6: Divide both sides of the equation above by f.

The New Yorker

According to the equation above, so does the trackside observer, instead of the value 2c that classical physics predicts.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If this value of x is substituted in the equation above (k = 2Nux), the result is k = u.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Still, let me ignore that, and plug Subramanian's numbers into the equation above; I get a 4.9 percent rise in real incomes due to increased globalization.

The New York Times

Under certain conditions the hydrolysis of ethyl acetate is found to involve water molecules (as shown in the equation above); in other cases, hydroxide ion is involved.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Until 2012, each insurer was free to set its own load factor L (as in the equation above), constrained only by the market.

The New York Times

The table to the right indicates how much these changes would be predicted to affect GDP growth based on the equation above.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the equation above", ensure that the equation is visually and immediately above the reference to avoid confusion. Clear visual placement reinforces the connection.

Common error

Avoid using "the equation above" if multiple equations are in close proximity. Instead, provide a specific identifier (e.g., "Equation 3") to ensure clarity and prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the equation above" functions as a definite noun phrase acting as an anaphoric reference. It points to a specific equation that has been previously introduced in the text. As Ludwig confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the equation above" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig, to refer to a previously mentioned equation, predominantly in scientific and academic contexts. To ensure clarity, especially in documents with multiple equations, always place the reference immediately after the equation or use explicit labels (e.g., "Equation 1"). Alternatives include "the preceding equation" or "the aforementioned equation", depending on the desired level of formality. Remember, the key is unambiguous reference.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the preceding equation

Substitutes "above" with "preceding", emphasizing the sequential order of information.

the prior equation

Uses "prior" to replace "above", denoting something that came before.

the equation presented before

Replaces "above" with "presented before" indicating a prior presentation of the information.

the equation mentioned earlier

Uses "mentioned earlier" instead of "above" to highlight the act of prior reference.

the previously stated equation

Replaces "above" with "previously stated", emphasizing the action of stating the equation.

the aforementioned equation

Replaces "above" with a more formal term, "aforementioned", indicating something previously mentioned.

as shown in the equation above

Adds context by explicitly stating that the equation is being referenced as a visual demonstration.

the foregoing equation

Substitutes "above" with "foregoing", a more formal synonym for preceding.

the equation detailed above

Adds "detailed" to specify that the equation was explained in some depth.

the equation in the previous section

Specifies location (previous section) rather than relative position (above).

FAQs

How do I correctly use "the equation above" in a sentence?

Use "the equation above" to refer to a specific equation that has been presented directly before the current sentence. For example: "To understand the relationship, consider "the equation above"."

What are some alternatives to saying "the equation above"?

You can use phrases such as "the preceding equation", "the aforementioned equation", or "the previously stated equation" depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "the equation above" in formal writing?

Yes, "the equation above" is acceptable in formal writing, particularly in scientific or technical contexts, provided the reference is clear and unambiguous. For utmost clarity, especially when dealing with multiple equations, consider labeling each equation and referring to it by its label (e.g., Equation 1).

What's the difference between "the equation above" and "the following equation"?

"The equation above" refers to an equation that has already been presented, while "the following equation" refers to an equation that is about to be presented. Using the terms accurately ensures clear communication.