2006-10-26 07:43:45 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics
no,it is not always true
in mathematics the whole=sum of the parts
2006-10-26 07:47:19 · answer #1 · answered by raj 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The whole is not greater than the sum of its parts. It is in fact equal to the sum of its parts. e.g. 10 = 6 + 4. The whole is 10 and the sum of its parts is 10 (6+4).
You will find the following phrase often used by authors of mathematics handbooks:
"The whole is somehow greater than the sum of its parts."
Although this sounds poetic and may have an exotic ring to it, it is in fact impossible. In my opinion it is also cliched and outright stupid especially when academics use it.
2006-10-26 15:27:23 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Your assertion is incorrect.
Euclid proved over 2000 years ago that the whole is equal to the sum of its parts and is greater than any one of them.
Example:
25 = 10 + 15
25 = the sum of its parts 10 and 15
25 >15
25 > 10
2006-10-26 14:54:55 · answer #3 · answered by ironduke8159 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mathematically this isn't true but in some situations it is eg a car is greater (more useful) than the pile of 'car bits' it is made from.
Also breaking a physical object into parts will result in loss of some small parts
It also applies to groups. A team (sport or business) can produce a better result / product than any of the individuals could independently. Imagine a football team playing the opposition one player at a time. Its called Synergy.
2006-10-26 15:30:37 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
the sum of its parts does equal the whole
For example if you have 8 pieces of pie that make up a whole pie
1pie=8 slices
So by substitution 1pie=1pie.
2006-10-26 14:59:50 · answer #5 · answered by asd589 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This was a sort of buzz phrase for the Gestalt psychology school. It was not meant to refer to arithmetic. Google it.
2006-10-26 16:50:45 · answer #6 · answered by sydney m 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋