Crossword Genius

Number in computer support, for instance, having little hesitation providing mathematical quantity (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

integer

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'mathematical quantity' is the definition.
'integer' can be an answer for 'quantity' (integer is a kind of quantity). I'm not certain of the 'mathematical' bit.

'number in computer support for instance having little hesitation' is the wordplay.
'number in computer support' becomes 'int' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'for instance' becomes 'eg' (short for 'exempli gratia', 'for example' in Latin).
'having' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'little hesitation' becomes 'er' (expression of hesitation).
'int'+'eg'+'er'='INTEGER'

'providing' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for integer that I've seen before include "Say one" , "one or two, perhaps" , "The whole thing" , "Treeing (anag.)" , "Perhaps 60,000" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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