indeterminate
1
8.1
- adjective
- /ˌɪndɪˈtɜːrmɪnət/
- Specialized
- In calculus, dividing by zero results in an indeterminate form that cannot be solved.
- an indeterminate number
Examples
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We have not succeeded in making division always work to give a unique answer because 0/0 is still indeterminate.
Blog text (9) -
In certain mathematical problems, the answer may remain indeterminate without additional information.
-
The price level is indeterminate.
Academic text (2017) -
"I am the x in an indeterminate equation.
Academic text (2018) -
And zero divided by three is zero, or indeterminate.
Blog text (25) -
The Babylonians developed formulas to calculate solutions for problems typically solved today by using linear equations, quadratic equations, and indeterminate linear equations.
Blog text (26) -
The limit of the function approached an indeterminate value as x approached zero.
Synonyms
20
4.6
Not yet decided or known
1
7.7
You cannot know for sure
It is not possible to know for sure
Antonyms
How Determined
1
6.8
- Specialized
1
8.1
Surface Forms
Morphology
indeterminate = determinate (semi-transparent) = in + determin + ate
If the mathematical adjective 'determinate' is known, 'in-' directly forms the opposite technical meaning.
Etymology
Indeterminate comes from in- 'not' and determine 'to set a limit' or 'to fix', similar to term which means an 'end'. In mathematics, indeterminate means there is no single fixed value or unique answer.