An approximation can be a representation that is not exact but is useful. For example: 3.14 is an approximation that allows us to represent the irrational number pi, which is infinite.
Approximation is the process and consequence of approximating : coming closer, approaching or getting closer . The concept is usually used to name the obtaining of a result that, although not exact, is close to accuracy.
For example: "The final results of the election are not yet known, but the approximation indicates that the official candidate won by a difference of between five and six points," "Scientists were unable to discover the exact place where the temple was located." , but they decided to start the excavation by approximation" , "I do not have the precise data, but an approximation indicates that the latest rainfall exceeded 40 millimeters of water fall."
Approach in mathematics and physics
In the field of mathematics , an approximation is a representation that, although not exact, is considered useful thanks to its fidelity to reality. The number pi , in this framework, is usually represented through an approximation: 3.14 . However, this irrational number is infinite ( 3.1415926535… ). The approximation allows you to work with an easy-to-handle figure that is not far from the real value.
During a real-time computer physics simulation , an approximation is often enough to complete it; If calculations are not forcibly stopped, they are likely to last too long and consume processing resources needed to service other processes.
Irrational numbers are those that cannot be expressed in fraction form, with a numerator and numerator that are both non-zero and integers. In short, we can say that every real number (including irrational numbers, as well as zero, negative and positive numbers) that is not rational (positive numbers, zero and negative numbers) is an integer. Returning to the example of the approximation that we can see in pi, the aperiodic infinite decimals (they do not have a repeating chain of decimals) fall into this group of irrational numbers.
In the lottery it is possible to obtain a prize by approximation.
An approach
The idea of approach is also related to a physical or symbolic approach . If a meteorologist talks about the approach of a hurricane to the coasts of a country, he is referring to the fact that said cyclone is approaching the territory of the nation (that is, it is moving towards it).
A rapprochement between two political leaders from different parties, on the other hand, may involve the search for common ground in their positions or projects, minimizing differences.
The approach in the lottery
In many countries, the lottery enjoys immense popularity: millions of people buy their tickets with impeccable discipline, and in the same way they check the results of the draws with the hope of being the lucky ones who will leave their financial problems behind. But, despite being a game of chance that does not require any type of activity on the part of the participants, it hides a certain degree of complexity that not everyone is aware of.
In addition to the winning number, there are at least two other prizes, which are awarded to tickets with approximations; In this context, we understand this term as the numbers that are one unit behind and one unit ahead of the winner. For example, if the first prize is awarded to 83427, then its approximations are 83426 and 83428; For its owners there will be juicy sums of money.
Although this verification does not require great mathematical skills, it apparently makes the players very nervous, perhaps due to the confusion that results from the excitement of a million-dollar draw. The second and third prizes also have their respective approximations, each with a smaller amount than the previous one, and there are more prizes for certain combinations of figures similar (or approximate , if you like) to that of the winning number.