What term describes the action of calculating a set of numbers?

The term that describes the action of calculating a set of numbers is "Tally." Tallying refers to the process of systematically keeping count of numbers, items, or events, often using marks or a logging process to ensure accuracy. It represents not just counting each individual piece, but rather accumulating and organizing those counts for clarity and further analysis.

In the context of calculations, tallying can be essential for situations where data is collected over time or across multiple categories, allowing for a clear representation of totals that are easily understood. It emphasizes the act of combining and recording rather than simply recognizing the quantity of each individual item.

Other terms, while related, do not fully encapsulate the process of calculating a set of numbers in the same manner. For instance, "count" typically refers to the initial act of determining how many individual items are present, while "sum" specifically denotes the action of adding numbers together, which is a narrower focus. "Compile" suggests gathering data but does not inherently imply the act of calculation. Hence, "tally" provides the most comprehensive and relevant term for the action of calculating a set of numbers in a systematic way.