Approximation

An approximation is an inexact representation of something that is still close enough to be useful. Although approximation is most often applied to numbers, it is also frequently applied to such things as mathematical functions, shapes, and physical laws.

Related Topics:
Inexact - Number - Mathematical functions - Shape - Physical law

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Approximations may be used because incomplete information prevents use of exact representations. Alternately, even when the exact representation is known, it may be preferable to use an approximation that simplifies analysis without too great a cost in accuracy.

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For instance, physicists often approximate the shape of the Earth as a sphere even though more accurate representations are possible, because many physical behaviours — e.g. gravity — are much easier to calculate for a sphere than for less regular shapes.

Related Topics:
Physicists - Earth - Sphere - Gravity

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The type of approximation used depends on the available information, the degree of accuracy required, the sensitivity of the problem to this data, and the savings (usually in time and effort) that can be achieved by approximation.

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