What is Compare: Definition and 153 Discussions

Comparison or comparing is the act of evaluating two or more things by determining the relevant, comparable characteristics of each thing, and then determining which characteristics of each are similar to the other, which are different, and to what degree. Where characteristics are different, the differences may then be evaluated to determine which thing is best suited for a particular purpose. The description of similarities and differences found between the two things is also called a comparison. Comparison can take many distinct forms, varying by field:

To compare is to bring two or more things together (physically or in contemplation) and to examine them systematically, identifying similarities and differences among them. Comparison has a different meaning within each framework of study. Any exploration of the similarities or differences of two or more units is a comparison. In the most limited sense, it consists of comparing two units isolated from each other.
To compare things, they must have characteristics that are similar enough in relevant ways to merit comparison. If two things are too different to compare in a useful way, an attempt to compare them is colloquially referred to in English as "comparing apples and oranges." Comparison is widely used in society, in science and in the arts.

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  1. R

    How can I compare the vector equation of a line to a vector in the form (x,y,z)

    I am having trouble understanding how the vector equation of a line : (x,y,z) + t(x1,y1,z1) can be used in conjuction with another vector in the form (x,y,z). I visualise it like this. Points are : O to P and O to Q. So there are two vectors. The vector P to Q is given by Q - P which is the...
  2. S

    FTL is not possible via entanglement because you need to compare both the photons

    Faster than light (FTL) is not possible via entanglement because you need to compare both the photons... or in other words entanglement is a single system that is "spread out" (across time-space) , the two photon pair behaves as a single system in which the two photons are within that system...
  3. B

    Best way to compare two forces

    Hello Suppose we have to compare a set of forces calculated with an analytical model to a set of measured forces. What in your opinion is a good way to compare the forces? I have noticed that comparing the 3 components of the forces (suppose that we can measure all of the simultaneously)...
  4. C

    Find the Perfect Science Graduate Program: Compare Options in the US and Canada

    I did a forum search but with like a million pages on here, it was hard to sort out. Wanting to know if any of you guys know a website (or book) for comparing science programs at the graduate level in the US or Canada (engineering especially). I am now aware of a few useful sites like...
  5. Simfish

    What is the most effective way to compare answers on hw with someone?

    So I often ask fellow classmates for their email addresses so that I can compare homework with them, when I haven't interacted with them before (I do try to discuss something about the homework first though). Do people find this "creepy"? Since when I email them, they frequently seem to be...
  6. R

    Compare the tension in the rope

    Homework Statement The ends of a rope are tied to (a) two horses, (b) a tree and a horse, and (c) a tree and two horses, as shown. Each horse pulls with the same magnitude force. Compare the tension in the rope for the three situations. Explain your reasoning.Homework Equations F = ma The...
  7. J

    Compare and contrast continuity of a function?

    PLEASE help me. I need to analyze the continuity of the piecewise function f(x) = { sin(1/x) when x is not = to 0 _____{ 0_____ when x = 0 so i know sin(1/x) doent have a value at 0 but the second part of the function places the value of 0 at 0...BUT are both parts connected without any...
  8. A

    Compare graphs of a^x and x^a - pretty simple,

    Homework Statement Compare the functions \; f(x)=x^{7} \; and \; g(x) = 7^{x} \; by graphing both functions. A) find all points of intersection (there is suppose to be 2) B) Which graph grows larger I need help with A Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution...
  9. Shackleford

    How Do Transition Wavelengths Compare Between Hydrogen and Helium?

    6. http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n149/camarolt4z28/2010-09-23195548.jpg?t=1285299756 I'm thinking I use the omegaij formula to determine the frequency between energy levels and then use that to calculate the wavelength...
  10. W

    Formula to compare the strength of pipe versus C channel

    What I'm trying to do is compare pipe to channel as far as lateral strength. I have just received a patent, 7,707,794. It's for a building system of walls, fences, and buildings using steel channels and pipe posts. The current way to build a high security fence using expanded metal panels...
  11. L

    Compare the distribution of electric charge on the two rods

    Two rods, one brass and the other plastic, have been charged by contact at one end by an ebonite rod rubbed with fur while being supported by an insulator. Compare the distribution of electric charge on the two rods.
  12. L

    How to compare integral of damped oscillatory functions

    Hello, I am looking for suggestions, literature, etc., about techniques and theorems useful for comparing improper integrals of functions characterised by a damped oscillatory behaviour. But let me use the following example to introduce in simple terms what I actually mean. Consider the...
  13. V

    Compare execution time in C language

    Homework Statement I want to compare the execution times for DDA and Bresenham's Line algorithm using a C program. I used the clock_t command; I'm getting the execution time for Bresenham’s algorithm as 0.164835 but 0 for DDA. 3. The Attempt at a Solution clock_t start,end...
  14. A

    Compare and contrast Electron and Nucleon States

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  15. T

    Compare burning of fuel to reversible supply of heat

    Hi! I'm working on a problem regarding a jet engine and I actually did solve it but I'm not sure about two things: At some point in the engine, air is heated at constant pressure (with the gas being almost stationary). Of course, this is done by the burning of fuel. But I found the...
  16. D

    Cannot compare pointers to strings?

    After compiling the code below, GCC says that you can't compare a pointer to string by iso C++ standards. But I don't see a pointer anywhere (I don't know pointers for now...did it long ago, now forgot)...may be it has to do with the fact that arrays are called by reference. char...
  17. O

    How to compare two similar structures?

    I am doing some simulation like recrystallizaiton, crystal A-amorphous-crystal B. This crystal B is different from A and experimentally proved that B is more like crystal C. Even though the recrystallizaiton is not obvious. As far as I have done, the bond lengths and radial distribution...
  18. P

    Inverse linear transformation (think I got it, but don't have answer to compare)

    Homework Statement Define T:P_1 \rightarrow P_1 by T(a+bx)=(a-b)+ax. Check as to whether T has an inverse or not and if it has, find T^{-1} Homework Equations T^{-1}(T(v))=v The Attempt at a Solution The range of T is P1, so T is one-to-one. The inverse of T is therefore...
  19. W

    I'm trying to compare 2 acoustic sensors

    Hi all, Through my tears, I'm trying to compare two acoustic emission sensors. The first sensor has a specification that says its sensitivity is −150 dBre 1V/μPa. The other sensor says its sensitivity is -70 dB ref 1V/μbar. (Note the different units.) Wikipedia tells me that 1 Pa = 10-5...
  20. U

    Schools Compare Universities for Graduate Program: Stipends, Programs & Living Costs

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  21. Loren Booda

    How does the Indian Institute of Technology compare?

    Versus MIT, CIT, etc.?
  22. Q

    Compare the following books - Griffiths, Sakurai, Shankar

    Ok, maybe the subject has been discussed in some manner in other posts, but I would like a clear comparison between : * David J Griffiths - Introduction to Quantum Mechanics * Shankar - Principles of Quantum Mechanics * Sakurai - Modern Quantum Mechanics What is your experience with these...
  23. I

    People compare someone with a donkey

    Not only in English do I see people compare someone with a donkey, in my native language it too is used the same Why does someone compare me with a donkey ? I think I am pretty smart
  24. O

    Compare Costs of ERW Mild Steel, DOM Mild Steel, Chromoly Steel & Titanium

    Hi, I have been looking and searching for a place to find the costs for 1) Electric Resistance Welded (ERW) Mild Steel: AISI 1010 Steel 2) Drawn Over Mandrel (DOM) Mild Steel: AISI 1026 Steel 3) Chrome-Molybdenum (Chromoly) Steel: AISI 4130 Steel 4) Titanium: 38-644 UNS R58640 Titanium Alloy...
  25. Z

    Angle of Light Ray Entry & Exit Through Prism

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  26. H

    Proof: Compare two integral(Please look at my surgested proof)

    This is a repost, the reason I feared that people who miss the the original. Homework Statement Looking at the Integral a_n = \int_{0}^{\pi} \frac{sin(x)}{x+n\pi} prove that a_n \geq a_{n+1} Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution Here is my now proof: the...
  27. H

    To compare an integral with an identity

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  28. H

    Can F-Test Confirm Equal Variances in Radioactive Zones?

    Hi Homework Statement I have been on some statistics and I am not sure that I am on the right track Given two meassurement zones of radioactive vast: \left(\begin{array}{cc} zone 1 & zone 2 \\ 55 & 55 \\ 44 & 24 \\ 47 & 57 \\ 61 & 37 \\ 15 & 51 \\ 36 & 33 \\ 29 & 39 \\ 69 & 11 \\ 8 & 42 \\...
  29. W

    Compare the efficiency of two cars.

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  30. I

    How does a negated compare work?

    Homework Statement I understand that in the ARM architecture CMP a1, a2 will take the difference between a1 and a2 and make a decision based on its flags NZCV - if the difference is positive a1 > a2, and vice versa But how does a negated cmp work? CMN a1, a2 ? Is it the...
  31. S

    Compare a series sum to it's equivelent integral

    Homework Statement excuse my formatting. compare sum(from n=2 -> infinity) of 5/(n^1.1) to integral (from 1 -> infinity) of 5/(x^1.1) Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution if it was sum and integrate from 2 it would be easy... the sum is a rienmann sum using...
  32. R

    How does the movement of stars compare to the movement of planets

    how does the movement of stars compare to the movement of planets
  33. M

    Need to compare 1st year science /w 1st year engineering

    hello everyone, I've completed my first year at UBC and I have developed a strong interest in transferring into engineering but unfortunately lack the courses to do so at the moment (didn't take chemisty 12 back in high school,hated it). So i have a few questions for you :) How hard is...
  34. O

    Compare a system to equilibrium

    Homework Statement Determine whether or not each of the following system is in equilibrium. If the system is not in equilibrium, predict whether it will proceed in the forward or reverse direction: 2 H2(g) + O2(g) ---> 2H2O(g) and Kc (equilibrium constant) is 9.1 x 10^80 and the...
  35. F

    Compare torque from force applied at different points

    Homework Statement Two equal forces are applied to a door. The first force is applied at the midpoint of the door; the second force is applied at the doorknob. Both forces are applied perpendicular to the door. Which force exerts the greater torque? A) The first force at the midpoint of the...
  36. Mallignamius

    Medical How does the Medieval brain compare to the modern brain?

    Physiologically, is there much difference between the human brains of 500 to 1,000 years ago and today's brains? About when in our past would you say a minor difference in the comparison begins? By "minor difference," I mean perhaps in overall intellectual and/or mental abilities at around...
  37. R

    Compare Water Content of Muscle, Liver, Fat, Heart, Cartilage, Bone Marrow

    How would you rate the following in terms of water content: muscle, liver, fat, heart, cartilage, bone marrow and where could i find a table of comparison...?
  38. R

    How Do You Solve the Hockey Players' Catch-Up Problem Using Quadratic Equations?

    Can someone please help with this question. I know you take two equations and make them equal and then my professor told me you use the quadratic formula to get the answer but I am still no quite getting it. Hockey player A is standing still when player B passes him with the puck at a rate...
  39. B

    Comparing Concentrations in a 0.10 M H2SO4 Solution

    in a solution of 0.10 M H2SO4 , list these concentrations in order of the greatest to smallest: [H3O+], [OH-], [HSO4-], and [SO4(-2)] the answer showed that none of those concentrations is equal to others, but i got [HSO4-]=[SO4-2] (eventhough I'm not quite sure) could you help me out ...
  40. S

    Siemens fc10 to compare 2 strings

    Hi, I'm scanning a code from each box to compare and see if the box scanned is a "good" box. The whole code is about 21 bytes and I only want to compare 9 bytes since those 9 bytes differentiate between the 2 types of box. I created (2) 9-byte strings in DB98, string1[9] starts at 0.0 and...
  41. F

    Courses How does US maths and physics courses compare with british A-level?

    Just a matter of interest, but how do the US physics and mathematics courses for students before university (The final year before university) compare with the British A-level courses? what is the typical content of the US courses at this age? For example, what is included in "precalculus", and...
  42. P

    Compare acceleration to free fall acceleration

    i have this problem i can't seem to get i think i am overthinking but just can't get it what is. this is a one dimensional motion with constant acceleration.what is the acceleration of a space capsule fired from a 220m long cannon with a launch speed of 10.97km/s
  43. W

    Can red shift compare which clock go faster?

    Hi, We often say, an observer near the horizon of a BH finds the light traveling from far outside the horizon blue shifted, or an observer away from the BH finds the red shift of light from near the horizon. We get a conclusion that a clock near the horizon goes faster than a clocker far...
  44. A

    Compare y=Cos(x) and transformation HELP

    How does the graph y=-3 \cos (2\theta+ \frac {\pi} {4}) +3 Differ from the graph of y=\cos\theta I think this graph is different because it has a vertical stretch by a factor of 3 and is translated upwards 3 units but I am not sure how to rearrange this to find the horizontal translation...
  45. Loren Booda

    News How does the government of the United States compare?

    Much criticism has been directed at the democracy of the United States lately. What country, U. S. or other, do you believe practices the nearest to ideal government?
  46. L

    Calculators Just Ordered a TI-89: How Does it Compare to the Old Model?

    Just ordered one. How do you guys like yours? Seems like it is pretty badass and powerful. Is it any faster than the old ti-89?
  47. E

    DVD vs. VCD: How Do They Compare in Quality?

    What is the difference in quality between DVD and VCD? I don't notice that the main difference in image clearence quality.
  48. C

    Compare physics/chemistry with social sciences

    This website is primarily for physical scientists—especially those interested in the physics of civilizations millions of years into a finally dying universe! Would that social scientists could also predict the future, even if only for a single century—or even just the next ten years, or less...
  49. B

    How does the PE of the activated complex compare to that of the reactants?

    "How does the PE of the activated complex compare to that of the reactants?" anyone know~~~ >< pleasez~~~ thankyou in advance! :wink:
  50. P

    Compare and Contrast LQG and ST

    Hey everybody. I'm doing an essay on this very subject, the comparisons and contrast between LQG and ST. I've heard things, such as: ST seems to define particles and forces, where LQG seems to discribe strings themselves and They both descibe a fundimental element of nature, but it's I don't...
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