Calculus disambiguation

The term calculus has a number of meanings.

Mathematical meanings

In mathematics, calculus most commonly refers to analysis, which investigates motion and rates of change. The denotation "the calculus" is sometimes used to distinguish this from other mathematical meanings.

In the most general sense, the term calculus refers to a system of formal rules of inference and axioms that are used for computation. MathWorld defines it as "an abstract theory developed in a purely formal way". [1] (http://mathworld.wolfram.com/Calculus.html)

The more generalized usage is particularly common in mathematical logic, where a calculus is applied to compute universally true statements of a certain formal logic. Examples include the calculus of natural deduction, the sequent calculus, as well as many other calculi that are deviced in proof theory.

Derived from the Latin word for "pebble", calculus in its most general sense can mean any method or system of calculation. Other topics where the term calculus is used in this sense include:

• Predicate calculus (the rules governing the logic of predicates in symbolic logic)
• 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)

Other meanings

In dentistry, calculus refers to deposits of calcium phosphate salts on teeth, also known as tartar. See calculus (dental)

In medicine a calculus refers to a stone formed in the body such as a gall stone. See calculus (medicine)

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