grammatical number - "Is" vs. "Are" when using the word "Pair" in a mathematical setting


I've seen equally good arguments for and against using "is" for this sentence.


The pair of polynomials (f,g) is/are related by the reciprocity law.


Which verb is used correctly?



Answer



You should use the singular, because it refers to "Pair" and not to "polynomials". The pair in this case is one, so "is".


If it was "three pairs of polynomials...", for example, then you would have used "are".


Like:



A pair of shoes is in my bedroom. - VS - Two (three, four, five, etc) pairs of shoes are in my bedroom.



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