Resultant vs. Resulting — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 3, 2024
Resultant emphasizes the outcome of a combination, while resulting points to what follows an action or event.
Difference Between Resultant and Resulting
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Resultant refers to a final outcome that emerges from the combination or sum of different elements, often used in mathematical or technical contexts. It implies a direct outcome from specific inputs or causes. For example, in vector addition, the resultant is the vector that embodies the combined effect of two or more vectors. Whereas, resulting is used to describe something that comes as a consequence or as a result of something else. It is more broadly applicable across various contexts, from natural consequences in everyday life to outcomes in scientific experiments. For instance, resulting damage from a storm speaks to the aftermath rather than the combined effect of factors leading to a situation.
Resultant tends to imply a certain level of intentionality or calculation, as it often results from a process designed to achieve a specific outcome. It's a term that fits well within contexts where the inputs and the process of combining them are as important as the outcome itself. On the other hand, resulting is more flexible, implying a broader range of cause-and-effect scenarios without necessarily delving into the specifics of how the outcome was reached. It's useful for discussing outcomes in more general terms, without the need for detailing the underlying process.
While "resultant" can often suggest a more static or defined outcome, as seen in technical or mathematical use, "resulting" carries a dynamic sense that can refer to ongoing or evolving situations. The resultant force in physics is fixed by the conditions set, but resulting effects of a policy can change over time.
Comparison Chart
Definition
The outcome of a combination
What follows an action or event
Usage Context
Technical, mathematical
Broad, various contexts
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Implication
Specificity, intentionality
Flexibility, cause-and-effect
Outcome Type
Defined, often calculated
Broad, possibly evolving
Example Use
"The resultant vector"
"The resulting situation"
Compare with Definitions
Resultant
The outcome of a mathematical or logical operation.
The resultant of these equations will determine the next step.
Resulting
Emerging as an effect or outcome of an action or event.
The resulting confusion was due to a lack of clear communication.
Resultant
A final product derived from the sum or combination of different elements.
The resultant force is calculated by vector addition of individual forces.
Resulting
Describing a condition or state that follows a particular occurrence.
The resulting landscape after the earthquake was drastically altered.
Resultant
In music, a tone or harmony created by the combination of other tones.
The composition features a complex resultant tone that emerges from the overlay of individual notes.
Resulting
Indicating what comes after a series of actions or decisions.
The resulting policy changes were implemented immediately.
Resultant
A consequence that is a direct sum of inputs in a system.
The circuit's output is the resultant of its component interactions.
Resulting
Reflecting the aftermath or consequences in a broad sense.
The resulting atmosphere at the meeting was tense and uncertain.
Resultant
A term used in physics to describe the vector sum of two or more forces.
The bridge's stability is ensured by calculating the resultant of all applied loads.
Resulting
Pertaining to the consequences or effects in a general or specific context.
The resulting data from the experiment exceeded our expectations.
Resultant
In mathematics, the resultant of two polynomials is a polynomial expression of their coefficients, which is equal to zero if and only if the polynomials have a common root (possibly in a field extension), or, equivalently, a common factor (over their field of coefficients). In some older texts, the resultant is also called the eliminant.The resultant is widely used in number theory, either directly or through the discriminant, which is essentially the resultant of a polynomial and its derivative.
Resulting
To happen as a consequence
Damage that resulted from the storm.
Charges that resulted from the investigation.
Resultant
Issuing or following as a consequence or result.
Resulting
To end in a particular way
Their profligate lifestyle resulted in bankruptcy.
Resultant
Something that results; an outcome.
Resulting
Something that follows naturally from a particular action, operation, or course; a consequence or outcome.
Resultant
(Mathematics) A single vector that is the equivalent of a set of vectors.
Resulting
Results Favorable or desired outcomes
A new approach that got results.
Resultant
Following as a result or consequence of something; resulting.
Resulting
(Mathematics) The quantity or expression obtained by calculation.
Resultant
Anything that results from something else; an outcome
Resulting
Of something that follows as the result of something else; resultant.
After the flood, the resulting epidemics killed even more.
Resultant
(mathematics) a vector that is the vector sum of multiple vectors
Resulting
Present participle of result
Resultant
Resulting or issuing from a combination; existing or following as a result or consequence.
Resulting
Following as an effect or result;
The period of tension and consequent need for military preparedness
The ensuant response to his appeal
The resultant savings were considerable
The health of the plants and the resulting flowers
Resultant
That which results.
The resultant of homogeneous general functions of n variables is that function of their coefficients which, equaled to zero, expresses in the simplest terms the condition of the possibility of their existence.
Resultant
The final point in a process
Resultant
Something that results;
He listened for the results on the radio
Resultant
A vector that is the sum of two or more other vectors
Resultant
Following as an effect or result;
The period of tension and consequent need for military preparedness
The ensuant response to his appeal
The resultant savings were considerable
The health of the plants and the resulting flowers
Common Curiosities
How do you calculate a resultant?
A resultant is typically calculated through mathematical operations, such as vector addition in physics, to determine the combined effect of multiple components.
What is a resultant force?
A resultant force is the single force that represents the vector sum of all forces acting upon an object.
Can the term "resulting" be used in a scientific context?
Yes, "resulting" is often used to describe outcomes or effects in scientific experiments and studies.
Can "resultant" describe a process?
"Resultant" typically describes an outcome rather than a process, focusing on the end product of combining elements.
Is there a difference in formality between "resultant" and "resulting"?
"Resultant" may sound more formal or technical due to its specific usage in certain fields, whereas "resulting" is widely used in both formal and informal contexts.
How does context affect the use of "resultant" and "resulting"?
The choice between "resultant" and "resulting" depends on whether the emphasis is on a combination leading to a specific outcome or on the broader consequences following an event.
Is "resultant" only applicable in physics?
No, while commonly used in physics, "resultant" is also applicable in mathematics, music, and other fields where outcomes are derived from combinations.
What does "resulting action" mean?
"Resulting action" refers to the action taken as a consequence or outcome of a prior event or decision.
Are "resultant" and "resulting" interchangeable?
While they share related meanings, they are not always interchangeable due to their different implications and specific contexts of use.
Can "resulting" be used to describe ongoing effects?
Yes, "resulting" can describe effects that continue to unfold or evolve after an initial event.
What does "resultant" imply about the relationship between cause and effect?
"Resultant" implies a direct and calculable relationship between specific causes (inputs) and their combined effect (outcome).
Does "resulting" always refer to immediate consequences?
No, "resulting" can refer to both immediate and long-term consequences of an action or event.
Can the use of "resultant" or "resulting" change the perception of an outcome?
Yes, using "resultant" can emphasize precision and direct causality, while "resulting" can highlight a broader, perhaps more nuanced set of consequences.
Can "resulting" imply negative outcomes?
Yes, "resulting" can describe any consequence, including negative outcomes, without specifying the nature of the consequence.
What is an example of a "resulting situation"?
A "resulting situation" could refer to the state or conditions that follow an event, such as the economic climate resulting from a policy change.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
