Approximate

A number or result that is not exact. In a practical situation an approximation is sufficiently close to the actual number for it to be useful. Verb: approximate. Adverb: approximately. When two values are approximately equal, the first symbol below is used instead of the normal = sign. If all that's known is the order of magnitude, the second symbol below is used.

Approximate Symbols

For example, there are approximately 365 days in a year (there are 365.25 to be exact, making each fourth year a leap year with 366 days), and the mass of the Sun in kg is known to be roughly 2 with 24 zeroes after it.

» Maths Terms for 11-13 Yr Olds