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Explaining the difference between deduction and reduction
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Hi everyone,
I �m trying to explain the difference between the two words above to a student.
I �ve done the deduction (thinking), to deduce, examples.
I �ve done the deduction (take away), to deduct examples.
I �ve done the reduction (make smaller) to reduce, examples.
Having looked online, some dictionaries give them as synonyms. Can anyone give me a link to a page where, apart from the difference in preposition (deduction from/reduction in), the difference in meaning between the last two is clearly stated (if such a one exists)? |
Hello, Ballcastle1,
And also, Magneto.
Ballycastle1, I take it that you want to concentrate on �deduction�, (�take away�, �to deduct�), and �reduction� (�make smaller�, �to reduce�).
Oxford Dictionary of English, 2006
DEDUCTION noun, [mass noun]: the action of deducting or subtracting something.
n[count noun] an amount that is or may be deducted from something, especially from taxable income or tax to be paid.
DEDUCT �verb [with object] subtract or take away (an amount or part) from a total.
REDUCTION noun [mass noun]: 1. The action or fact of making something smaller or less in amount, degree, or size.
n[count noun] the amount by which something is made smaller, less, or lower in price.
.... .... ....
2. n[count noun] a thing that is made or less in size or amount, in particular.
REDUCE �verb [with object] make smaller or less in amount, degree, or size.
n [no object] become smaller or less in size, amount, or degree.
.... .... ....
The Chambers Dictionary, 2003
DEDUCTION noun, the act of deducting; the thing or amount deducted.
DEDUCT verb transitive, to take away; to subtract; to reduce.
REDUCTION noun, the act of reducing or state of being reduced; diminution; lowering of price .... ....
REDUCE verb transitive, to make smaller or less, to lessen; .... .... verb intransitive, to become smaller or less .... ....
The Chambers Theaaurus, 2004
Deduction = Reduction; Reduction = Deduction.
At first glance I was inclined to say that the words �Deduction� and �Reduction� were somewhat similar, but had different properties, both as noun and verb.
On reflection, I am inclined to agree with those dictionaries that say that certain aspects of the words are synonymous. If you Deduct a quantity, X, from a total, the total becomes smaller by X. If you Reduce the total by a quantity, X, the total becomes smaller by X. The mathematical actions are somewhat different, but the results are the same.
1) If I have 10 apples, and I say: �Deduct 1 apple!� I am left with 9 apples.
There has been a Deduction of 1 apple.
The total number of apples is smaller by 1 apple.
2) If I have 10 apples, and I say: �Reduce the number by 1 apple!� I am left with 9 apples.
There has been a Reduction of 1 apple.
The total number of apples is smaller by 1 apple.
As a counter-argument, it is possible to say: �Deduct a minus number!� and thus increase the total, but it would also be possible to say �Reduce the total by a minus quantity!� and thus increase the total, similarly.
In Mathematics, the process of Multiplication is simply Addition in another form: the process of Division is simply Subtraction in another form.
It seems to me that, in this query, the process of Deduction is simply Reduction, in another form: and the process of Reduction is simply Deduction, in another form.
I don�t know if you agree with my argument or not.
Les
