In a research paper, when one quotes a numbered equation, is it necessary to put the definite article the in front of equation like "the equation (3.2)", or is it ok to omit the and simply write "equation (3.2)"?
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$\begingroup$ Peter's answer is correct. It is also commonplace to leave out "equation" as well, as in "it follows from (3.2) that...". $\endgroup$– Brendan McKayCommented Aug 3, 2022 at 6:58
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1$\begingroup$ "an numbered"? $\endgroup$– mathworker21Commented Aug 3, 2022 at 7:20
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$\begingroup$ @BrendanMcKay However, some papers use separate numbering sequences for equations, proclamations, and/or subsections, so that in addition to an equation 3.2 there might be a theorem 3.2 and a subsection 3.2. So I would probably recommend putting in the "equation" for clarity. $\endgroup$– Mike ShulmanCommented Aug 3, 2022 at 17:25
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$\begingroup$ @MikeShulman The parentheses in (3.2), which also appear on the equation label, serve to distinguish. $\endgroup$– Brendan McKayCommented Aug 4, 2022 at 2:50
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$\begingroup$ @BrendanMcKay In theory, yes, but I still think additional clarity can be given by including the word. $\endgroup$– Mike ShulmanCommented Aug 5, 2022 at 15:29
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1 Answer
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In ordinary English it is correct to omit the definite article 'the' because 'equation (3.2)' serves as the proper name for the equation.
