Calculus (disambiguation)
Calculus is Latin for pebble, and has a number of meanings in English.
Mathematical meanings
Calculus in its most general sense can mean any method or system of calculation.
- In mathematics, calculus most commonly refers to elementary mathematical analysis, which investigates motion and rates of change. The denotation "the calculus" is sometimes used to distinguish this from other mathematical meanings.
- In symbolic logic: the predicate calculus is the rules of inference governing the logic of predicates; and a proof calculus is a framework for expressing systems of logical inference.
- Lambda calculus, a formulation of the theory of reflexive functions with deep connections to computational theory; due in final form to Alonzo Church of Princeton.
- Pi-calculus, a formulation of the theory of concurrent, communicating processes, invented by Robin Milner.
- Join calculus, a theoretical model for distributed programming.
- Tuple calculus, a calculus for the relational data model, inspiring the SQL language.
- Precalculus
- the calculus of sums and differences, also called the finite-difference calculus
Other meanings
- In dentistry, calculus consists of deposits of calcium phosphate salts on teeth, also known as tartar. See calculus (dental)
- In medicine a calculus is a stone formed in the body such as a gall stone or kidney stone. See calculus (medicine)