summation rule
nounUK /sʌˈmeɪʃən ruːl/
US /sʌˈmeɪʃən ruːl/
A rule that tells you how to add things up step by step.
The teacher explained the summation rule so the class could add the numbers quickly.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. In math, a rule for combining many terms into one total, often written with a sigma sign.
Using the summation rule, she wrote the long list of numbers as one compact formula.
3. In probability, a rule for finding the chance of either of two events by adding their probabilities.
The summation rule helped them find the probability of rolling a two or a five.
4. In law, a rule about how a judge sums up the evidence for the jury.
The summation rule guided the judge as he reviewed the facts for the jury.