Editing Approximation (section)

==Etymology and usage==
The word ''approximation'' is derived from [[Latin]] ''approximatus'', from ''proximus'' meaning ''very near'' and the [[prefix]] ''ad-'' (''ad-'' before ''p'' becomes ap- by [[assimilation (phonology)|assimilation]]) meaning ''to''.<ref>The Concise Oxford Dictionary, ''Eighth edition 1990, {{ISBN|0-19-861243-5}}''</ref> Words like ''approximate'', ''approximately'' and ''approximation'' are used especially in technical or scientific contexts. In everyday English, words such as ''roughly'' or ''around'' are used with a similar meaning.<ref>Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English, ''Pearson Education Ltd 2009, {{ISBN|978 1 4082 1532 6}}''</ref> It is often found abbreviated as ''approx.''

The term can be applied to various properties (e.g., value, quantity, image, description) that are nearly, but not exactly correct; similar, but not exactly the same (e.g., the approximate time was 10 o'clock).
 
Although approximation is most often applied to [[number]]s, it is also frequently applied to such things as [[Function (mathematics)|mathematical functions]], [[shape]]s, and [[physical law]]s.

In science, approximation can refer to using a simpler process or model when the correct model is difficult to use. An approximate model is used to make calculations easier. Approximations might also be used if incomplete [[information]] prevents use of exact representations.

The type of approximation used depends on the available [[information]], [[Order of approximation|the degree of accuracy required]], the sensitivity of the problem to this data, and the savings (usually in time and effort) that can be achieved by approximation.