The accounting equation is the basic principle of accounting that shows the relationship between a company's assets, liabilities, and shareholders' equity. It states that a company's total assets are always equal to the sum of its liabilities and shareholders' equity. The accounting equation establishes that for every debit, there is a corresponding credit, and it is the foundation of the double-entry bookkeeping system. Assets are things of value owned by the company, while liabilities are amounts owed, and shareholders' equity represents the owners' investment and retained earnings.