algebraic sum

1 definition found

algebraic sum - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Sum \Sum\, n. [OE. summe, somme, OF. sume, some, F. somme, L.
     summa, fr. summus highest, a superlative from sub under. See
     Sub-, and cf. Supreme.]
     1. The aggregate of two or more numbers, magnitudes,
        quantities, or particulars; the amount or whole of any
        number of individuals or particulars added together; as,
        the sum of 5 and 7 is 12.
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              Take ye the sum of all the congregation. --Num. i.
                                                    2.
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     Note: Sum is now commonly applied to an aggregate of numbers,
           and number to an aggregate of persons or things.
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     2. A quantity of money or currency; any amount, indefinitely;
        as, a sum of money; a small sum, or a large sum. "The sum
        of forty pound." --Chaucer.
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              With a great sum obtained I this freedom. --Acts
                                                    xxii. 28.
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     3. The principal points or thoughts when viewed together; the
        amount; the substance; compendium; as, this is the sum of
        all the evidence in the case; this is the sum and
        substance of his objections.
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     4. Height; completion; utmost degree.
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              Thus have I told thee all my state, and brought
              My story to the sum of earthly bliss. --Milton.
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     5. (Arith.) A problem to be solved, or an example to be
        wrought out. --Macaulay.
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              A sum in arithmetic wherein a flaw discovered at a
              particular point is ipso facto fatal to the whole.
                                                    --Gladstone.
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              A large sheet of paper . . . covered with long sums.
                                                    --Dickens.
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     Algebraic sum, as distinguished from arithmetical sum, the
        aggregate of two or more numbers or quantities taken with
        regard to their signs, as + or -, according to the rules
        of addition in algebra; thus, the algebraic sum of -2, 8,
        and -1 is 5.
  
     In sum, in short; in brief. [Obs.] "In sum, the gospel . .
        . prescribes every virtue to our conduct, and forbids
        every sin." --Rogers.
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