dual number
The term "dual number" has distinct meanings in both grammar and mathematics, indicating 'two' in grammar and a special number system in algebra.
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Definition
B2Grammar
(linguistics, formal)A grammatical form used to indicate exactly two items or individuals.
Example
- In Ancient Greek, the dual number was used to refer to two people or things.
- Some languages, like Slovene, have retained the use of the dual number.
C1Mathematics
(technical, academic)A number in a system where each element is of the form a + bε, with ε being a symbol such that ε² = 0 and ε ≠0.
Example
- Dual numbers are used in algebra to simplify certain types of calculations.
- The expression 3 + 2ε is an example of a dual number.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "dual number":
dual spaceimaginary numberfractional numberfloating-point numberreal numberbinary system