代数和 (dài shù hé) — algebraic sum

Definition

In math, 代数和 is the sum of numbers with their signs included — positive and negative terms added together as written, not their absolute values.

noun
algebraic sum

Examples

  • 代数和。
    Zhè ge dài shù hé děng yú líng.
    This algebraic sum equals zero.
  • 代数和。
    Jì suàn liǎng gè shù de dài shù hé.
    Calculate the algebraic sum of two numbers.
  • 代数和？
    dài shù hé Shì zhèng shù hái shì fù shù?
    Is the algebraic sum positive or negative?

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
偏正piānzhèngModifier + head

The first part narrows down the second: it says what kind of thing the head is.

代数algebra
代dàisubstitution数shùnumber
偏正Modifier + head
和hésum

“代数” means algebra and “和” means sum, so together they mean an algebraic sum.

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
亻Written in full as人rénperson
Sound part声符shēngfú
弋
弋yì代dài
The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

In 代, 亻 shows a person, and 弋 gives the sound.

Open 代 →

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 數; 数 is its simplified writing.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
攴攴pū
Sound part声符shēngfú
婁
婁lóu數shù(r)
The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

The traditional form 數 pairs 攴, the meaning part, with 婁, the sound part; the simplified 数 is a shorthand.

Open 数 →

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
口口kǒumouth
Sound part声符shēngfú
禾
禾hé和hé
Same sound today

和 pairs 禾, which gives the sound, with 口 (mouth), the meaning part; the reference connects this shape to harmony.

Open 和 →

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