Computers calculated with lightning speed.

Meaning: This means that the computers were able to solve problems very quickly.

Choice of Words: Computers are electronic devices that can be programmed to perform tasks. Calculated means to find the answer to a mathematical problem. Lightning means very fast. Speed refers to the rate at which something moves or happens.

Alternative Expressions

Computers crunched numbers at the speed of light.

Meaning: This means the same as the first sentence, that computers can solve math problems very quickly. It's like saying, Computers can break down math problems into smaller pieces and find the answers very quickly.

Choice of Words: Computers are machines that can store and process information. Crunched means to break something down into smaller pieces. Numbers are math symbols that represent quantities. Speed is how fast something moves. Light is a very fast flash of light in the sky. When you put them together, "Computers crunched numbers at the speed of light" means that computers can do math very quickly.

Computers solved math problems faster than a speeding bullet.

Meaning: This means the same as the first two sentences, that computers can solve math problems very quickly. It's like saying, Computers can find the answers to math problems in less time than it takes for a bullet to travel.

Choice of Words: Computers are machines that can store and process information. Solved means to find the answer to a problem. Math is a subject that uses numbers and symbols to solve problems. Problems are questions that need to be answered. Faster means moving quickly. Speeding means moving very quickly. Bullet is a small piece of metal that is shot from a gun. When you put them together, "Computers solved math problems faster than a speeding bullet" means that computers can do math very quickly.

Related Expressions