Mathematics

Question

Hello,I wonder if it's always possible to use either 'is' or 'are' in such sentences:  Two and two is/are four.   Ten minus seven is/are three.  Three times five is fifteen.  Sixteen divided by two is/are eight.If I want to say: "is zero" isn't it a mistake to say are zero?And is it always possible to use 'equals'?

Englishmaven · Accepted Answer

Standard American speech uses "is."

5 times 3 is 15.

7 and 2 is 9.

The subject and the subject complement do not have to be the same number, meaning that the subject can be plural, while the subject complement is singualar.

The contracts are the prize. The contracts are the reward.

Perhaps that concern is what is bothering you about it.

Quantities expressed in numbers may be singular. Commonly, we consider money terms.

Ten dollars is a lot of money. (The quantity is a lot.)

Ten dollars were on the floor. (Ten dollar bills were on the floor.)

I hope this helps you.

Regarding the use of "equals," that would be the same and would be as correct.

3 and 5 equals 8.

Anonymous · Answer

Oh, yes, it helped me. Thank you.

CalifJim · Answer

ninaniaI wonder if it's always possible to use either 'is' or 'are' in such sentences:
Two and two is/are four.
Ten minus seven is/are three.
Three times five is fifteen.
Sixteen divided by two is/are eight.
If I want to say: "is zero" isn't it a mistake to say are zero?
And is it always possible to use 'equals'?

Think of these mathematical examples as special. They have a rule of their own.

Just say "is" or "equals" in allcases like these. Easy, isn't it?

CJ

Anonymous · Answer

Yes, it is quite easy . <img class='emoticon' style='Width:19px;Height:19px;' data-delaysrc='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/2.gif' src='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/2.gif' alt='Emotion: big smile'/>

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