calculation

Everyday

1. A calculation is working out an answer using numbers, such as adding, subtracting, multiplying or dividing. tree →
2. Calculation is careful planning or thinking about what will happen, sometimes selfishly, as in cold calculation. tree →

In the lessons

In maths lessons, show your calculations so the teacher can see your method; check calculations with the inverse operation or estimation. Mental calculation is done in your head; written calculation uses methods like column addition. In science, calculations find speed, averages and areas. In stories, a calculating character plans coldly.

Examples

• Show your calculation in the box. tree →
• My calculation was wrong; I forgot to carry the ten. tree →
• Do the calculation in your head. tree →
• The calculator does long calculations quickly. tree →
• By my calculation, we'll arrive at six. tree →
• Check each calculation with an estimate. tree →
• "I always act with due order, consideration, and calculation. tree →

Note

Countable. Verb: calculate; tool: calculator; adjective: calculating (crafty). In maths, a calculation must have the numbers and operations right; a mistake in one step changes the final answer.

In Jewish tradition

In Sefer Yetzirah it is one of the three meanings of the Hebrew word "sefer": number, counting, and thought.

Interpretation. The tradition reads the Hebrew root as having three senses: sefar (number), sippur (telling) and sefer (writing). Together they show how God made the world.

Examples

• 4) These Sepharim or three words of similar expression signify: first, number, calculation or idea; second, the word; third, the writing of the *word. (Sefer Yetzirah, Kalisch 1877) tree →

Note

Countable. Verb: calculate; tool: calculator; adjective: calculating (crafty). In maths, a calculation must have the numbers and operations right; a mistake in one step changes the final answer.