Digit vs. Figure: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A digit is a numeral (0-9) used in sequences to represent numbers, while a figure can be any symbol or representation, including numbers, shapes, or illustrations.
Key Differences
A digit is primarily a numeral from 0 to 9, used in creating larger numbers. For instance, '5' is a digit. A figure, however, has broader applications; it can refer to numerical symbols, a person's shape, or a diagrammatic representation. While every digit can be a figure in numerical contexts, not every figure is a digit.
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Nov 26, 2023
In mathematics, a digit contributes to the value of a number based on its place value. For example, '2' in '205' represents 200. Conversely, a figure can be a statistical diagram or graphical representation, such as a figure in a report that illustrates data trends.
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Nov 26, 2023
In the context of identification, digits are often used in a sequence, like a digital code. A figure, in a similar vein, can represent numerical data, but it can also signify the physical form of an entity, such as a figure in a painting.
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Nov 26, 2023
When referring to expression or communication, digits are straightforward and specific, solely representing numerical concepts. Figures, however, are versatile; they can represent abstract ideas, like figures of speech, or concrete representations, like figures in a wax museum.
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Nov 26, 2023
The term digit is derived from the Latin 'digitus', meaning finger or toe, because numbers were once counted on fingers. Figure comes from the Latin 'figura', denoting shape or form, which is fitting given its varied uses beyond just numbers.
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Nov 26, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A single numerical character (0-9).
Any numerical or symbolic representation.
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Nov 26, 2023
Usage in Math
Represents a specific value in a number.
Can denote a number or a graphical representation.
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Nov 26, 2023
Physical Representation
Not applicable.
Can refer to the shape or silhouette of an object or person.
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Nov 26, 2023
Sequence
Used in sequences to create larger numbers.
Used in sequences for data, or can refer to a sequence in dance.
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Nov 26, 2023
Origin of Word
From Latin 'digitus', for finger, a counting tool.
From Latin 'figura', meaning shape or form.
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Nov 26, 2023
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Digit and Figure Definitions
Figure
The shape or outline of a person's body.
The artist captured her figure perfectly.
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Nov 08, 2023
Figure
A representation or image, as in drawing or sculpture.
The figure at the top of the trophy is a basketball player.
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Nov 08, 2023
Digit
In computing, a digit is a binary number (0 or 1).
Binary code is made up of digits.
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Nov 08, 2023
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Figure
A written or printed symbol representing something other than a letter, especially a number.
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Oct 19, 2023
Digit
A unit of length derived from the breadth of a finger and equal to about 34 of an inch (2.0 centimeters).
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
Figures One of the digits specified as making up a larger number
A salary in the six figures.
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
(Mathematics) A geometric form consisting of any combination of points, lines, or planes
A triangle is a plane figure.
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Oct 19, 2023
Digit
Digits Slang A telephone number
She gave me her digits, and I put them in my phone.
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
The outline, form, or silhouette of a thing
Saw the figure of a cat in the window.
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Oct 19, 2023
Digit
(mathematics) The whole numbers from 0 to 9 and the Arabic numerals representing them, which are combined to represent base-ten numbers.
The number 123.4 has four digits: the hundreds digit is 1, the tens digit is 2, the units digit is 3, and the tenths digit is 4.
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
The shape or form of a human body
A fashion model with an attractive figure.
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Oct 19, 2023
Digit
(mathematics) A distinct symbol representing one of an arithmetic progression of numbers between 0 and the radix.
Hexadecimal numeration (Base sixteen) includes the digits 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 but also A (=10 decimal), B, C, D, E, and F. Sixteen itself is written as the two-digit number 10.
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
An indistinct object or shape
The figures in the mist turned out to be lampposts.
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Oct 19, 2023
Digit
The apparent diameter of the sun or moon, (chiefly) as a measure of the totality of an eclipse.
A six-digit eclipse covers half the lunar surface.
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Oct 19, 2023
Digit
A unit of length notionally based upon the width of an adult human finger, standardized differently in various places and times, (especially) the English digit of 16{{nbsp}}foot, now equivalent to about 1.9{{nbsp}}cm.
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Oct 19, 2023
Digit
(anatomy) A narrow extremity of the human hand or foot: a finger, thumb, or toe.
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
A pictorial or sculptural representation, especially of the human body.
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Oct 19, 2023
Digit
One of the terminal divisions of a limb appendage; a finger or toe.
The ruminants have the "cloven foot," i. e., two hoofed digits on each foot.
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Oct 19, 2023
Digit
A finger's breadth, commonly estimated to be three fourths of an inch.
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Oct 19, 2023
Digit
One of the ten figures or symbols, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, by which all numbers are expressed; - so called because of the use of the fingers in counting and computing.
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
(Music) A brief melodic or harmonic unit often constituting the basis of a larger phrase or structure.
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Oct 19, 2023
Digit
One twelfth part of the diameter of the sun or moon; - a term used to express the quantity of an eclipse; as, an eclipse of eight digits is one which hides two thirds of the diameter of the disk.
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
(Logic) Any one of the forms that a syllogism can take, given one of the four possible arrangements of the middle term.
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
(Mathematics) To calculate with numbers
Figured the sum to be nearly a million.
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Oct 19, 2023
Digit
One of the elements that collectively form a system of numbers;
0 and 1 are digits
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Oct 19, 2023
Digit
A finger or toe in human beings or corresponding part in other vertebrates
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
To write a sequence of conventionalized numbers below or above (the bassline) to indicate harmony.
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Oct 19, 2023
Digit
In mathematics, a digit contributes to a number's value based on its place.
In 304, the digit 3 represents three hundred.
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Nov 08, 2023
Figure
To conclude, believe, or predict
I never figured that this would happen.
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
To be or seem important or prominent
A key fact that figures in our understanding of what happened.
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
To be pertinent or involved
His advice barely figured in my decision.
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
(Informal) To seem reasonable or expected
“I found my keys in the sofa.” “Well, that figures, given that you were sitting there last night.”.
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
The representation of any form, as by drawing, painting, modelling, carving, embroidering, etc.; especially, a representation of the human body.
A figure in bronze; a figure cut in marble
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
The appearance or impression made by the conduct or career of a person.
He cut a sorry figure standing there in the rain.
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
(obsolete) Distinguished appearance; magnificence; conspicuous representation; splendour; show.
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
A human figure, which dress or corset must fit to; the shape of a human body.
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
A visible pattern as in wood or cloth.
The muslin was of a pretty figure.''
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
(logic) The form of a syllogism with respect to the relative position of the middle term.
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
(astrology) A horoscope; the diagram of the aspects of the astrological houses.
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
(music) Any short succession of notes, either as melody or as a group of chords, which produce a single complete and distinct impression.
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
(music) A form of melody or accompaniment kept up through a strain or passage; a motif; a florid embellishment.
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
To come to understand.
I can’t figure if he’s telling the truth or lying.
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
To be reasonable.
It figures that somebody like him would be upset about the situation.
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
(obsolete) To represent by a figure, as to form or mould; to make an image of, either palpable or ideal; also, to fashion into a determinate form; to shape.
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
(music) To write over or under the bass, as figures or other characters, in order to indicate the accompanying chords.
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
The form of anything; shape; outline; appearance.
Flowers have all exquisite figures.
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
The representation of any form, as by drawing, painting, modeling, carving, embroidering, etc.; especially, a representation of the human body; as, a figure in bronze; a figure cut in marble.
A coin that bears the figure of an angel.
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
A pattern in cloth, paper, or other manufactured article; a design wrought out in a fabric; as, the muslin was of a pretty figure.
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
A diagram or drawing, made to represent a magnitude or the relation of two or more magnitudes; a surface or space inclosed on all sides; - called superficial when inclosed by lines, and solid when inclosed by surfaces; any arrangement made up of points, lines, angles, surfaces, etc.
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
The appearance or impression made by the conduct or career of a person; as, a sorry figure.
I made some figure there.
Gentlemen of the best figure in the county.
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
Distinguished appearance; magnificence; conspicuous representation; splendor; show.
That he may live in figure and indulgence.
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
A character or symbol representing a number; a numeral; a digit; as, 1, 2,3, etc.
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
Value, as expressed in numbers; price; as, the goods are estimated or sold at a low figure.
With nineteen thousand a year at the very lowest figure.
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
A person, thing, or action, conceived of as analogous to another person, thing, or action, of which it thus becomes a type or representative.
Who is the figure of Him that was to come.
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
A mode of expressing abstract or immaterial ideas by words which suggest pictures or images from the physical world; pictorial language; a trope; hence, any deviation from the plainest form of statement. Also called a figure of speech.
To represent the imagination under the figure of a wing.
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
The form of a syllogism with respect to the relative position of the middle term.
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
Any short succession of notes, either as melody or as a group of chords, which produce a single complete and distinct impression.
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
A form of melody or accompaniment kept up through a strain or passage; a musical phrase or motive; a florid embellishment.
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
To represent by a figure, as to form or mold; to make an image of, either palpable or ideal; also, to fashion into a determinate form; to shape.
If love, alas! be pain I bear,
No thought can figure, and no tongue declare.Prior.
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
To embellish with design; to adorn with figures.
The vaulty top of heavenFigured quite o'er with burning meteors.
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
To indicate by numerals; also, to compute.
As through a crystal glass the figured hours are seen.
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
To represent by a metaphor; to signify or symbolize.
Whose white vestments figure innocence.
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
To write over or under the bass, as figures or other characters, in order to indicate the accompanying chords.
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
To make a figure; to be distinguished or conspicious; as, the envoy figured at court.
Sociable, hospitable, eloquent, admired, figuring away brilliantly.
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
To calculate; to contrive; to scheme; as, he is figuring to secure the nomination.
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
A diagram or picture illustrating textual material;
The area covered can be seen from Figure 2
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
Alternative names for the body of a human being;
Leonardo studied the human body
He has a strong physique
The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
One of the elements that collectively form a system of numbers;
0 and 1 are digits
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
A model of a bodily form (especially of a person);
He made a figure of Santa Claus
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
A well-known or notable person;
They studied all the great names in the history of France
She is an important figure in modern music
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
A combination of points and lines and planes that form a visible palpable shape
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
An amount of money expressed numerically;
A figure of $17 was suggested
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
The impression produced by a person;
He cut a fine figure
A heroic figure
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
The property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals;
He had a number of chores to do
The number of parameters is small
The figure was about a thousand
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
A unitary percept having structure and coherence that is the object of attention and that stands out against a ground
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
A predetermined set of movements in dancing or skating;
She made the best score on compulsory figures
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
Be or play a part of or in;
Elections figure prominently in every government program
How do the elections figure in the current pattern of internal politics?
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
Imagine; conceive of; see in one's mind;
I can't see him on horseback!
I can see what will happen
I can see a risk in this strategy
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Oct 19, 2023
Figure
A numerical symbol, especially one that forms part of a larger number.
In the number 150, 5 is the middle figure.
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Nov 08, 2023
Figure
A diagram or illustrative drawing, especially in a book or magazine.
Refer to figure 2 for a graph of the data.
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Nov 08, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Are figures used in mathematical equations?
Yes, figures can represent numbers in equations or data in charts.
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Nov 26, 2023
What is a digit in mathematics?
A digit is any of the numerals from 0 to 9, especially when forming part of a number.
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Nov 26, 2023
How many digits are in the decimal system?
There are 10 digits, from 0 to 9.
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Nov 26, 2023
Can a figure be something other than a number?
Yes, a figure can also refer to a person's body shape, a diagram, or an important person.
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Nov 26, 2023
What is a 'significant figure'?
It's a digit that contributes to the precision of a number.
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Nov 26, 2023
Can figures be non-numeric?
Yes, they can also be shapes, illustrations, or representations of objects.
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Nov 26, 2023
Is 'figure' used in expressions?
Yes, like 'figure of speech', which means a symbolic word or phrase.
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Nov 26, 2023
How is 'figure' used in sports?
It can refer to a figure in a movement sequence, like figure skating.
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Nov 26, 2023
What is digitization?
It’s the process of converting information into a digital (numeric) format.
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Nov 26, 2023
What does 'figure out' mean?
It means to solve a problem or discover the meaning of something.
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Nov 26, 2023
Are there digits in other number systems?
Yes, for example, hexadecimal digits range from 0 to 9 and A to F.
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Nov 26, 2023
Do digits have a place value?
Yes, each digit in a multi-digit number has a place value.
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Nov 26, 2023
What does 'figure' mean in writing?
It can mean a character or shape described by an author.
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Nov 26, 2023
What does 'go figure' mean?
It's an expression that indicates something is surprising or to be expected.
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Nov 26, 2023
Can a digit be a symbol?
While digits are numeric symbols, they are not usually referred to as symbols.
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Nov 26, 2023
Can 'figure' refer to a graphical display of data?
Yes, such as charts and graphs in publications.
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Nov 26, 2023
Can a figure be a model or pattern?
Yes, it can also mean a model or pattern for something, especially in art.
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Nov 26, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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