reduksjoner

Reduksjoner is the plural form of reduksjon in Norwegian and is used to describe processes, events or results where something is made smaller, fewer, or simpler. The term is polysemous and its meaning depends on the field of use, but it generally signals a decrease, simplification or transformation.

In chemistry, reduction denotes a gain of electrons by an atom or ion, resulting in a decrease in oxidation state. Redox reactions always involve a reduction paired with an oxidation. Reducing agents donate electrons, enabling processes such as the reduction of metal oxides with carbon or hydrogenation reactions that add hydrogen to substrates.

In mathematics and computer science, reduction refers to transforming one problem into another in a way that preserves solvability. Matrix row reduction (Gaussian elimination) reduces a matrix to a simpler form for solving linear systems. In computational complexity, problem reductions show that one problem is at least as hard as another, often to classify problems by their computational resources.

In economics and public policy, reductions describe decreases in cost, price, tax burden, tariffs, or emissions. Budget reductions denote cuts in government spending, while price reductions reflect lower market prices.

In linguistics and speech science, reductions describe weakening or omission of sounds in connected speech, such as unstressed vowels or contracted forms. In music and publishing, reductions may refer to abridged or simplified arrangements of larger works for particular performers or educational purposes.

The term reduksjoner thus encompasses a range of domain-specific meanings, all linked by the core idea of making something smaller, simpler, or more accessible.