Generating numerical approximations

Authors

  • Richard John Dixon Power Open University
  • Sandra Helen Williams Open University

Abstract

We describe a computational model for planning phrases like 'more than a quarter' and '25.9 per cent' which describe
proportions at different levels of precision. The model lays out the key choices in planning a numerical description, using formal definitions of mathematical form (e.g., the distinction between fractions and percentages) and roundness adapted from earlier studies. The task is modelled as a constraint satisfaction problem, with solutions subsequently ranked by preferences (e.g., for roundness). Detailed constraints are based on a corpus of
numerical expressions collected in the NumGen project, and evaluated through empirical studies in which subjects were asked to produce (or complete) numerical expressions in specified contexts.

Author Biography

  • Richard John Dixon Power, Open University

    Department of Computing

    Senior Lecturer

Published

2024-12-05

Issue

Past Publications

Section

Short paper