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Glite Dictionary
to check the math

to check the math

1 2.8
To look over calculations to make sure they are correct
  • phrasal verb
translation icon : verificar los cálculos
  • The accountant needs to check the math to ensure the financial report is accurate.

By the way, I have been told this, I have not double checked the math.

Examples

  • No need to check the math, fellas.

    Blog text (5)

  • Maybe even triple tough, but I'd have to check the math.

    Blog text (11)

  • L-I'll check the math again.

    October Sky (1999)

  • I am going to change the coding slightly to make it clearer. I would appreciate others checking the math.

    Blog text (5)

  • Kirsty takes a calculator out of her purse and double-checks the math. KIRSTY

    Fiction book (2002)

  • Before submitting the project, let's check the math to avoid any errors.

  • It's important to check the math when preparing tax documents to prevent mistakes.

Synonyms

to verify
vsto check the math
251 3.5

To make sure something is true or correct

applies only to numerical calculations in problems or reports

How Thorough

to audit
  • Specialized
17 4.2
to check the math
1 2.8

Surface Forms

check the math infinitive
checked the math past
checked the math past participle
checking the math present participle
checks the math third person singular

Morphology

check + the + math

The meaning 'to verify the accuracy of mathematical calculations' is directly and compositionally derived from 'check' (to inspect or verify) plus 'the math' (the calculations). This is a common verb + noun phrase pattern found across languages, so a B1 learner who knows the constituents would readily infer the meaning.

Etymology

Check the math comes from the image of someone checking the math, carefully reading numbers or adding them again to see if they are right. That's why it means 'to check the numbers'.