Sides of an equation

In mathematics, LHS is informal shorthand for the left-hand side of an equation. Similarly, RHS is the right-hand side. Each is solely a name for a term as part of an expression; and they are in practice interchangeable, since equality is symmetric. This abbreviation is seldom if ever used in print; it is very informal.

More generally, these terms may apply to an inequation or inequality. In the inequality case, there is no symmetry. The right-hand side is everything on the right side of a test operator in an expression. Conversely, the left-hand side is everything on the left side.

Contents

Some examples

The equation on the right side/right part of the "=" sign is the right side of the equation and the left of the "=" is the left side/left part of equation.

Take

x + 5 = y + 8

where "x + 5" would be the left-hand side and "y + 8" would be the right-hand side

Homogeneous and inhomogeneous equations

In solving mathematical equations, particularly linear simultaneous equations, differential equations and integral equations, the terminology homogeneous is often used for equations with the RHS set equal to zero. The corresponding inhomogeneous or nonhomogeneous equation then has the RHS with some given data, but of a general character.

The typical case is of some operator L, with the difference being that between the equation

Lf = 0,

to be solved for a function f, and the equation

Lf = g,

with g a fixed function, to solve again for f. The point of the terminology appears for L a linear operator. Then any solution of the inhomogeneous equation may have a solution of the homogeneous equation added to it, and still remain a solution.

For example in mathematical physics, the homogeneous equation may correspond to a physical theory formulated in empty space, while the inhomogeneous equation asks for more 'realistic' solutions with some matter, or charged particles.

Syntax

More abstractly, when using infix notation

T*U

the term T stands as the left-hand side and U as the right-hand side of the operator *. This usage is less common, though.

See also