"a sum of" vs "a summation of"

Question

"a sum of" vs "a summation of"

Both 'a sum of' and 'a summation of' are correct phrases, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'A sum of' is more commonly used in everyday language to refer to the total of a set of numbers or quantities. On the other hand, 'a summation of' is more formal and is often used in mathematical or technical contexts.

Last Updated: March 15, 2024

Use 'a sum of' when referring to the total of a set of numbers or quantities. For example, 'The sum of 5 and 3 is 8.'

Examples:

The sum of the parts is greater than the whole.
What is the sum of 10 and 15?
She calculated the sum of the expenses for the month.
The sum of their ages is 50.
He found the sum of the angles in the triangle.

Alternatives:

the total of
the addition of
the aggregate of
the combined total of
the overall sum of

Use 'a summation of' when referring to the total of a series of numbers or quantities, especially in mathematical or technical contexts. For example, 'The summation of the series is 100.'

Examples:

The summation of the data points provides valuable insights.
The summation of the angles in a triangle is always 180 degrees.
The report includes a summation of the findings.
The summation of the terms in the equation is crucial for the solution.
She presented a detailed summation of the project's progress.

Alternatives:

the total of
the addition of
the aggregate of
the combined total of
the overall sum of

Answer 1

a sum of

This phrase is correct and commonly used in everyday language to refer to the total of a set of numbers or quantities.

Answer 2

a summation of

This phrase is correct but is more formal and often used in mathematical or technical contexts.

"a sum of" vs "a summation of"

a sum of

a summation of

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