What exactly does the expression "to do sums" mean?

[GeneD]

What exactly does the expression "to do sums" mean? Does it mean "addition", or does it include subtraction, multiplication and division as well?

 

[GeneD]

We need more context to be sure.

Sorry, I didn't give any context. I think my question is mainly about school. What sort of calculation do pupils at school do when doing sums?

 

[GeneD]

Informally, if you 'do the sums', you do the calculations necessary to find some form of result. These calculations usually involve some sort of mathematical operations..

Subtractions and the like included? Not only addition? I've looked up in a dictionary but I can't understand this dictionary definition. It goes as "To do a sum is to calculate something". But also "a total amount made by addingseveral numbers or amounts together".

 

[GeneD]

I think I've got it but am not sure. Division, subtraction and so on are forms of sums, right?

 

[Rover_KE]

I think I've got it but am not sure. Division, subtraction and so on are forms of sums, right?

Right.

sum n

• one or more columns or rows of numbers to be added, subtracted, multiplied, or divided

(Collins Concise English Dictionary)

 

[GoesStation]

"to do sums" means to "sum up". This involves addition and subtraction, not the other operations. For example: add the amount of money taken in and subtract the amount going out.

Robert has supplied the American meaning. It means something else in British English.

 

[bubbha]

"to do sums" means to do addition exercises for homework or classwork, the way schoolchildren do.

 

[Rover_KE]

It doesn't in BE. See post #8.

 

[jutfrank]

Addition and subtraction only, regardless of dictionaries. Subtraction is the addition of a negative number.

I think where members disagree here is on usage.

RobertJ is technically correct, but is thinking of the word in a strict academic sense. Other members (and dictionaries) are speaking of the general, common usage of the word, as it might be used by parents or elementary school teachers.

Remember that words don't ultimately have meaning outside of usage. Words are used to express meaning. The meaning comes from the way they are used.

 

[GoesStation]

Hearing do your sums applied to operations other than addition and subtraction really does sound odd to an American ear. But the Queen didn't ask me when she created English, so I guess I'll just have to live with it.

 

[Rover_KE]

Note to students: the last two posts were written in jest; the Queen didn't create English, and she isn't infallible.

 

[jutfrank]

Lizzie (Mountbatten-)Windsor is infallible.

Lizzie (I call her Betty) isn't a Mountbatten, right? It's 'er ol' man what's a Mountbatten.