Difference between revisions of "Calculation"
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| − | In [[mathematics]], a '''calculation''' is a deliberate process that transforms one or more [[inputs]] into one or more results, with [[Variable (mathematics)|variable]] change. | + | In [[mathematics]], a '''calculation''' is a deliberate process that transforms one or more [[Input (mathematics)|inputs]] into one or more results, with [[Variable (mathematics)|variable]] change. |
== Discussion == | == Discussion == | ||
| Line 17: | Line 17: | ||
It also meant a pebble used for calculating, or a small stone used as a counter in an abacus (Latin ''abacus'', Greek ''abax''). | It also meant a pebble used for calculating, or a small stone used as a counter in an abacus (Latin ''abacus'', Greek ''abax''). | ||
| − | The abacus was an instrument used by Greeks and Romans for arithmetic calculations, preceding the slide-rule and the electronic calculator, and consisted of perforated pebbles sliding on an iron bars. | + | The [[abacus]] was an instrument used by Greeks and Romans for arithmetic calculations, preceding the [[slide-rule]] and the [[electronic calculator]], and consisted of perforated pebbles sliding on an iron bars. |
== See also == | == See also == | ||
* [[Algorithm]] | * [[Algorithm]] | ||
| + | * [[Computing]] | ||
* [[Computation]] | * [[Computation]] | ||
| + | * [[Constant (mathematics)]] | ||
| + | * [[Formula]] | ||
| + | * [[Function (mathematics)]] | ||
* [[Game theory]] | * [[Game theory]] | ||
| + | * [[Input]] | ||
* [[Mathematics]] | * [[Mathematics]] | ||
| + | * [[Number]] | ||
| + | * [[Operand]] | ||
| + | * [[Operation (mathematics)]] | ||
| + | * [[Output]] | ||
| + | * [[Variable (mathematics)]] | ||
== External links == | == External links == | ||
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calculation Calculation] @ Wikipedia | * [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calculation Calculation] @ Wikipedia | ||
| + | |||
| + | [[Category:Mathematics]] | ||
Latest revision as of 08:34, 4 April 2016
In mathematics, a calculation is a deliberate process that transforms one or more inputs into one or more results, with variable change.
Discussion
The term calculation is used in a variety of senses, from the very definite arithmetical calculation of using an algorithm, to the heuristics of calculating a strategy in a competition (see Game theory), or calculating the chance of a successful relationship between two people.
For example, multiplying 7 by 6 is a simple algorithmic calculation. Estimating the fair price for financial instruments using the Black–Scholes model is a complex algorithmic calculation.
Statistical estimations of the likely election results from opinion polls also involve algorithmic calculations, but produces ranges of possibilities rather than exact answers.
To calculate means to ascertain by computing.
Etymology
The English word derives from the Latin calculus, which originally meant a small stone in the gall-bladder (from Latin calx).
It also meant a pebble used for calculating, or a small stone used as a counter in an abacus (Latin abacus, Greek abax).
The abacus was an instrument used by Greeks and Romans for arithmetic calculations, preceding the slide-rule and the electronic calculator, and consisted of perforated pebbles sliding on an iron bars.
See also
- Algorithm
- Computing
- Computation
- Constant (mathematics)
- Formula
- Function (mathematics)
- Game theory
- Input
- Mathematics
- Number
- Operand
- Operation (mathematics)
- Output
- Variable (mathematics)
External links
- Calculation @ Wikipedia
