approximation
a value or answer that is almost right, but not exact
a number, amount, calculation, or statement that is close to the correct one but not exact
something that is like another thing, but not exactly the same
something that resembles another thing but is not exactly the same or not completely accurate
in math or science, a simpler answer or model used because the exact one is difficult or unnecessary
in mathematics, science, or computing, a simplified value, function, model, or method used instead of an exact one, usually to make calculation or analysis possible or easier
- Base: approximation
- Plural: approximation, approximations
successive approximations
1Repeatedly improved estimates
a series of tries, with each one getting closer to the right answer or result
- The software solves the equation by successive approximations.
- Children often learn complex skills through successive approximations.
- The method of successive approximations produced a stable estimate after ten iterations.
- We found the answer by successive approximations.
to a first approximation
1Rough initial simplification
roughly speaking, if we ignore the details
- To a first approximation, the two systems behave the same way.
- To a first approximation, income rose at the same rate as prices.
- To a first approximation, the shape can be treated as a sphere.
- To a first approximation, the plan will cost $1 million.