Calculate vs Calculation: Differences And Uses For Each One

Are you confused about whether to use “calculate” or “calculation” in your writing? This article will provide you with a clear understanding of when to use each word and their respective meanings.

We should clarify which of the two words is the proper word to use. Both “calculate” and “calculation” are valid English words, but they are used in different contexts.

“Calculate” is a verb that means to determine a mathematical or numerical answer by using arithmetic, algebra, or other methods. It involves performing a series of operations to arrive at a solution. For example, you might calculate the area of a rectangle by multiplying its length by its width.

“Calculation,” on the other hand, is a noun that refers to the process of performing a calculation or the result of a calculation. It is the act of determining a mathematical or numerical answer using a set of rules or procedures. For example, you might make a calculation to determine the total cost of a project.

Now that we have established the difference between the two words, let’s dive deeper into their usage and explore some common phrases and expressions that use them.

Define Calculate

Calculate is a verb that refers to the process of using mathematical operations to determine a numerical value or result. It involves using formulas, algorithms, or equations to perform computations on given data or variables. The purpose of calculating is to obtain an accurate and precise answer that can be used for various purposes such as decision-making, analysis, or prediction.

For example, when you calculate the area of a rectangle, you multiply its length by its width to get the total square units. When you calculate your monthly expenses, you add up all the bills and subtract them from your income to see how much money you have left. When you calculate the distance between two cities, you use a map or GPS to measure the route and estimate the time it takes to travel.

Define Calculation

Calculation is a noun that refers to the result or outcome of a calculation. It is the numerical value that is obtained by performing mathematical operations on given data or variables. Calculation can also refer to the process of calculating, which involves using formulas, algorithms, or equations to perform computations on given data or variables.

For example, if you calculate the area of a rectangle and get a result of 50 square units, that is the calculation. If you calculate your monthly expenses and get a result of $2000, that is the calculation. If you calculate the distance between two cities and get a result of 500 miles, that is the calculation.

Calculation is an important concept in various fields such as science, engineering, finance, and statistics. It allows us to make accurate and informed decisions based on numerical data and analysis. Without calculation, we would not be able to measure, quantify, or compare different phenomena or variables.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the correct word in a sentence is crucial to effective communication. In this section, we will explore the proper use of the words “calculate” and “calculation.”

How To Use “Calculate” In A Sentence

The verb “calculate” refers to the process of determining a numerical value or result through mathematical operations. Here are some examples of how to use “calculate” in a sentence:

• I need to calculate the area of the room before I can order enough carpet.
• She used a calculator to help her calculate the tip on the bill.
• The software can easily calculate the distance between two points on a map.

Note that “calculate” is typically used in the present tense, although it can also be used in the past tense (“calculated”) or future tense (“will calculate”).

How To Use “Calculation” In A Sentence

The noun “calculation” refers to the process or result of a mathematical operation, or to a careful consideration or estimation of something. Here are some examples of how to use “calculation” in a sentence:

• His calculation of the company’s profits was accurate.
• The engineer’s calculations showed that the bridge could safely support the weight of the vehicles.
• After careful calculation, we decided to invest in the stock market.

As a noun, “calculation” is typically used in the singular form, although it can also be used in the plural form (“calculations”).

More Examples Of Calculate & Calculation Used In Sentences

In order to better understand the usage of the words “calculate” and “calculation,” it is important to examine how they are used in context. Here are some examples of how these words can be used in sentences:

Examples Of Using “Calculate” In A Sentence

• The accountant needs to calculate the company’s profits and losses for the year.
• Can you calculate the amount of paint we need to buy for this room?
• She used a calculator to help her calculate the tip on the restaurant bill.
• The computer program can calculate the trajectory of the missile with great accuracy.
• It is difficult to calculate the exact cost of the project without more information.
• The scientist needs to calculate the distance between the planets in order to plan the space mission.
• The teacher asked the students to calculate the area of the rectangle.
• He tried to calculate the odds of winning the lottery.
• The engineer needs to calculate the load capacity of the bridge before construction can begin.
• She had to calculate the time difference between the two time zones in order to schedule the meeting.

Examples Of Using “Calculation” In A Sentence

• The calculation of the company’s taxes is a complex process.
• Her calculation of the recipe was incorrect, which is why the cake did not turn out well.
• The calculation of the distance between the two cities took several hours.
• The scientist’s calculation of the speed of light was groundbreaking.
• The calculation of the interest rate on the loan was higher than expected.
• His calculation of the budget for the project was too optimistic.
• The calculation of the cost of the materials was underestimated, which caused the project to go over budget.
• The calculation of the risk involved in the investment was carefully considered before making a decision.
• The calculation of the population growth rate was based on several factors.
• Her calculation of the time it would take to complete the project was accurate.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words “calculate” and “calculation,” people often make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two words have different meanings and should be used appropriately. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using “Calculate” Instead Of “Calculation”

One common mistake is using “calculate” instead of “calculation” when referring to the process of computing something. While “calculate” can be used as a verb to mean “to determine by mathematical means,” “calculation” refers to the process of computing or determining a result. For example, it would be incorrect to say “I did the calculate for the project,” instead, it should be “I did the calculation for the project.”

Using “Calculation” Instead Of “Calculate”

Another mistake is using “calculation” instead of “calculate” as a verb. “Calculation” is a noun and should not be used as a verb. For example, it would be incorrect to say “I am going to calculation the numbers,” instead, it should be “I am going to calculate the numbers.”

Not Considering The Context

It’s important to consider the context in which you are using these words. “Calculate” is typically used when referring to a single computation or determining a result, while “calculation” is often used in the context of a series of computations or a more complex process. For example, it would be appropriate to say “I need to calculate the total cost of the project,” but it would be more appropriate to say “I need to make some calculations before I can determine the total cost of the project.”

Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes

• Be aware of the differences between “calculate” and “calculation.”
• Double-check your usage to ensure you are using the correct word.
• Consider the context in which you are using these words.
• If you are unsure, consult a dictionary or grammar guide.

Context Matters

As with many words in the English language, the choice between “calculate” and “calculation” can depend on the context in which they are used. While both words are related to mathematical computations, there are subtle differences that can affect their usage in certain situations.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Here are some examples of different contexts in which the choice between “calculate” and “calculation” might change:

1. Scientific Research

In scientific research, precision and accuracy are of utmost importance. In this context, “calculation” is often used to refer to the actual mathematical process of computing a result. For example, a researcher might write, “The calculation of the sample size was based on statistical power analysis.” In contrast, “calculate” might be used more broadly to refer to any type of mathematical operation, such as “We need to calculate the mean and standard deviation of the data.”

2. Business and Finance

In business and finance, the choice between “calculate” and “calculation” can depend on the level of formality. In more formal contexts, such as financial reports or presentations, “calculation” may be preferred. For example, “The calculation of the company’s net income for the quarter was based on revenue and expenses.” In less formal contexts, such as a conversation between colleagues, “calculate” might be used instead, such as “Let’s calculate how much money we’ll need for the project.”

3. Education

In an educational context, the choice between “calculate” and “calculation” might depend on the level of the students. For younger students, “calculate” might be used more often to refer to basic arithmetic operations. For example, “We need to calculate the perimeter of the rectangle.” In higher education, “calculation” might be used more frequently to refer to complex mathematical computations, such as “The calculation of the eigenvalues of the matrix requires advanced linear algebra.”

Overall, the choice between “calculate” and “calculation” can depend on the specific context in which they are used. By understanding these subtle differences, writers can effectively communicate their ideas and intentions in a clear and concise manner.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using calculate and calculation are generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions where they might not apply. Here are some examples:

1. Technical Terminology

In technical terminology, the words calculate and calculation might be used interchangeably. For instance, in mathematics, both words can be used to refer to the process of finding a numerical answer to a problem. However, in some cases, the word calculation might be preferred over calculate. This is because calculation can be used to refer to the entire process of solving a mathematical problem, including the steps taken to arrive at the answer.

2. Colloquial Language

In colloquial language, people often use the word calculate to mean “guess” or “estimate”. For example, someone might say “I can’t calculate the exact cost of the project, but I think it will be around $10,000”. While this usage is technically incorrect, it is common in informal settings.

3. Idiomatic Expressions

There are some idiomatic expressions where the word calculate is used in a non-literal sense. For instance, “to calculate the odds” means to assess the likelihood of a particular outcome. Similarly, “to calculate one’s losses” means to evaluate how much money or other resources have been lost in a particular situation.

4. Regional Differences

In some regions, the words calculate and calculation might be used differently than in other areas. For example, in British English, the word calculation is often used in contexts where American English would use the word compute. Similarly, in some parts of the world, the word calculate might be used more frequently than calculation, or vice versa.

Overall, while the rules for using calculate and calculation are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where they might not apply. It is important to be aware of these exceptions in order to use the words correctly in different contexts.

Practice Exercises

One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of calculate and calculation is to practice using them in sentences. Here are some practice exercises to help you do just that:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Fill in the blank with the correct form of calculate or calculation:

1. The __________ of the area of a rectangle is length times width.
2. Can you __________ how much money we’ll need for the trip?
3. She __________ the tip based on the total cost of the meal.
4. After __________ the numbers, he realized he had made a mistake.

Answer Key:

1. calculation
2. calculate
3. calculated
4. calculating

Exercise 2: Sentence Completion

Complete each sentence with the correct form of calculate or calculation:

1. The __________ of the amount owed was difficult to determine.
2. He spent hours __________ the cost of the project.
3. Can you __________ how much time it will take to finish the job?
4. After __________ the numbers, she realized she had made a mistake.

Answer Key:

1. calculation
2. calculating
3. calculate
4. calculating

By completing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of calculate and calculation. Remember to pay attention to the context in which these words are used and to use them correctly in your own writing and speaking.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between “calculate” and “calculation,” it is clear that these two terms are not interchangeable. While “calculate” refers to the act of performing a mathematical operation, “calculation” refers to the process of determining something through reasoning or estimation.

It is important to use these terms correctly in order to effectively communicate your ideas and avoid confusion. Additionally, paying attention to the nuances of language use can enhance your writing and demonstrate your expertise in a given subject.

Key Takeaways

• “Calculate” refers to performing a mathematical operation, while “calculation” refers to the process of determining something through reasoning or estimation.
• Using these terms correctly can enhance your writing and demonstrate your expertise in a given subject.

Overall, understanding the differences between “calculate” and “calculation” is just one example of how paying attention to language use can elevate your writing and improve your communication skills. We encourage readers to continue learning about grammar and language use in order to become more effective writers and communicators.