successive approximation

USAGE SUMMARY

'successive approximation' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a trial-and-error method of obtaining an approximate solution, in which an initial estimate is repeatedly improved upon until a satisfactory answer is achieved. For example, "The engineer employed a succession of approximations to develop a successful design for the bridge."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

By constructing Picard successive approximation, Wang [17] established the approximate mild solutions of fractional stochastic differential equations.

Advances in Difference Equations

We scan across scales of interest by successively iterating the decomposition of signal ƒ, with successive approximation coefficients being decomposed in turn.

Bioinformatics

Your intrepid researcher has looked through the calculations and they involve differentiation and Newton-Rapheson methods of successive approximation.

The Guardian - Money

Techniques include extreme-cases reasoning, dimensional analysis, successive approximation, discretization, generalization, and pictorial analysis.

TechCrunch

The successive approximation method is first introduced in[10].

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Section 'Design of the successive approximation algorithm' introduces the network model and propose the successive approximation algorithm.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

A successive approximation approach (SAA) is applied to design feedforward and feedback optimal controllers.

Nonlinear Analysis: Theory, Methods & Applications

The particulars of the successive approximation register (SAR ADCC are discussed in the chapter.

A Baker's Dozen Real Analog Solutions for Digital Designers

The successive approximation ADC architecture is treated next, followed by subranging, error corrected, and pipelined architectures.

Data Conversion Handbook

The greedy search method is based on binary successive approximation (BSA) and evolutionary search (ES).

Journal of King Saud University - Computer and Information Sciences

A novel optimal sliding mode is proposed by using the successive approximation approach (SAA).

Nonlinear Analysis: Hybrid Systems

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a method as a "successive approximation", clearly indicate the initial estimate and the criteria used for determining improvement in each step. This enhances clarity and reproducibility.

Common error

Avoid using "successive approximation" without defining clear stopping conditions. Without a defined convergence criterion, the process may continue indefinitely without yielding a useful result.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "successive approximation" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically serves as a subject or object in sentences describing a method or technique for solving problems, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

76%

News & Media

12%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "successive approximation" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed noun phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is predominantly used in scientific and technical contexts to describe iterative methods for problem-solving. While alternative phrases like "iterative refinement" and "incremental approach" exist, "successive approximation" specifically emphasizes the refinement of an initial estimate. When using this phrase, ensure clear stopping conditions are defined to guide the iterative process. Ludwig's examples showcase its prevalence in academic and research-oriented domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

iterative refinement

Focuses on the process of repeatedly improving a solution through iterations.

incremental approach

Emphasizes the step-by-step nature of the method, highlighting progress made in small increments.

stepwise improvement

Highlights the gradual nature of the progress towards a desired outcome.

progressive estimation

Focuses on the estimation aspect and its gradual increase in accuracy.

sequential estimation

Similar to progressive estimation, but emphasizes the order of the estimation steps.

recursive approximation

Highlights the repetitive nature and self-referential aspect of the approximation process.

iterative method

A more general term that encompasses the concept of repeated steps to achieve a result.

trial-and-error method

Suggests a less structured approach where solutions are attempted and adjusted based on the results.

repeated estimation

Focuses solely on the repeated estimation aspect, without highlighting the refinement.

convergent approximation

Emphasizes the property of the approximation getting closer to a specific value with each iteration.

FAQs

How is "successive approximation" used in problem-solving?

In problem-solving, "successive approximation" involves starting with an initial estimate and iteratively refining it until a satisfactory solution is achieved. This is particularly useful for complex problems where a direct solution is not readily available.

What are some techniques similar to "successive approximation"?

Similar techniques include "iterative refinement", "incremental approach", and "trial-and-error method". Each involves making incremental adjustments to reach a desired outcome.

How does "successive approximation" differ from direct calculation?

"Successive approximation" is used when a direct calculation is too complex or impossible. It provides an estimated solution, refined iteratively, while direct calculation yields a precise answer in a single step.

In what fields is "successive approximation" commonly applied?

"Successive approximation" is commonly used in fields like mathematics, engineering, and computer science, particularly in areas involving optimization, numerical analysis, and algorithm design. The technique is particularly useful for problems that don't have an easily calculated solution.