An equation that represents a family of equations.
- Synonym for general form of an equation or standard equation.
- The general equation of a family of equations includes parameters whose variations affect the characteristics of the graph of the corresponding functions.
Example
- The equation Ax + By + C = 0 is the general equation of the functions whose graphs are lines in a Cartesian plane. It is also the general form of first-degree equations in two variables.
- The equation A\({x^2}\) + B\({y^2}\) + Cxy + Dx + Ey + F = 0 is the general equation of conic sections.