Definition:Approximation

Definition

An approximation is an estimate of a quantity.

It is usually the case that there exists some knowledge about the accuracy of the estimate.

The notation:

$a \approx b$

indicates that $b$ is an approximation to $a$.

This article is complete as far as it goes, but it could do with expansion. In particular: Needs to be defined properly. The range of values in which $b$ lies needs to be explained. You can help $\mathsf{Pr} \infty \mathsf{fWiki}$ by adding this information. To discuss this page in more detail, feel free to use the talk page. When this work has been completed, you may remove this instance of {{Expand}} from the code. If you would welcome a second opinion as to whether your work is correct, add a call to {{Proofread}} the page.

Examples

$\dfrac {22} 7$ as an Approximation for Pi

$\dfrac {22} 7$ is a convenient approximation to $\pi$:

$\dfrac {22} 7 = 3 \cdotp \dot 14285 \dot 7$

$x$ as an Approximation for $\sin x$ for small $x$

For small values of $x$ measured in radians:

$\sin x \approx x$

Also see

• Results about approximations can be found here.

Sources

• 1998: David Nelson: The Penguin Dictionary of Mathematics (2nd ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): approximation
• 2008: David Nelson: The Penguin Dictionary of Mathematics (4th ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): approximation