Summable: meaning, definitions and examples

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summable

 

[ˈsʌməbəl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

mathematical term

Capable of being added together. Able to be summed.

Synonyms

addable, combinable, totalable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
summable

Used in mathematics or technical contexts to describe things that can be summed or added together.

  • The series is summable if its sum converges to a certain value.
  • Certain infinite sequences are not summable.
addable

Generally applicable when discussing things that can be added together; less formal than 'summable' and rarely used in everyday conversation.

  • The points in this game are addable, so we can easily calculate the total score.
  • These measurements are addable, giving us a combined total.
combinable

Refers to items, elements or substances that can be combined together to form a single unit or mixture. This term is often used outside of mathematics, such as in chemistry, cooking, or general discussions.

  • The ingredients are combinable to make a delicious dish.
  • These software modules are combinable for a more comprehensive tool.
totalable

Used to describe something that can be totaled or summed up, often in casual or less formal situations. This term is not commonly used.

  • The expenses are totalable for our monthly budget.
  • These values are totalable to give us the final amount.

Examples of usage

  • These two numbers are summable.
  • The values are not summable in this equation.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'summable' comes from the root 'sum,' which is from the Latin 'summa,' meaning 'highest' or 'total.'
  • First recorded use of 'summable' in English was around the early 20th century when mathematical concepts were expanding.
  • Related words include 'summation' which refers to the process of adding things together.

Mathematics

  • In mathematics, a series of numbers is considered 'summable' if it converges to a specific value when added together.
  • The study of summable functions is essential in calculus, particularly in understanding integrals and limits.
  • Not all infinite sequences of numbers are summable; for example, divergent series do not have a finite sum.

Computer Science

  • In programming, the concept of 'summable' can refer to data types that support addition, like integers and floats.
  • Functional programming languages often have built-in functions to operate on 'summable' collections easily, such as lists or arrays.
  • Adding up large datasets efficiently is a critical area of study in data science and computer algorithms.

Psychology

  • People tend to view summable tasks (like counting) as easier and more manageable, which can enhance motivation.
  • Breaking large projects into summable parts can reduce stress and improve focus, as each small part feels like an accomplishment.
  • The ability to sum and compile information quickly is linked to cognitive skills and intelligence measures.

Education

  • In educational settings, learning to recognize which numbers are summable helps students build foundational math skills.
  • Interactive games often use summable elements to teach children addition in a fun and engaging way.
  • Teachers apply concepts of summable quantities in subjects beyond math, like measuring ingredients in cooking classes.

Translations

Translations of the word "summable" in other languages:

🇵🇹 somável

🇮🇳 योग्य

🇩🇪 summierbar

🇮🇩 dapat dijumlahkan

🇺🇦 сумований

🇵🇱 sumowalny

🇯🇵 加算可能

🇫🇷 sommable

🇪🇸 sumable

🇹🇷 toplanabilir

🇰🇷 합산 가능

🇸🇦 قابل للجمع

🇨🇿 sčitatelný

🇸🇰 sčítateľný

🇨🇳 可加

🇸🇮 sešteven

🇮🇸 samanlaganlegt

🇰🇿 қосынды

🇬🇪 შესაკრებ

🇦🇿 cəm edilə bilən

🇲🇽 sumable