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Divisible Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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divisible

[dɪˈvɪzəb(ə)l ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

mathematics

Capable of being divided, especially with no remainder.

Synonyms

partable, separable, splitable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
divisible

Most often used in mathematics to indicate that a number can be divided by another number without leaving a remainder.

  • 15 is divisible by 3.
  • Any even number is divisible by 2.
separable

Most often used to describe something that can be separated into distinct parts or elements without necessarily implying equal division.

  • Oil and water are separable substances.
  • The two issues are separable and should be dealt with individually.
splitable

More informal and commonly used to describe objects or things that can be split into parts, often used in everyday language.

  • The logs are splitable with an axe.
  • This document is splitable into several sections for easier reading.
partable

An uncommon term usually used in legal contexts or old literature to indicate that something can be partitioned or divided into parts. Rarely used in modern language.

  • The estate was deemed partable among the three children.
  • In medieval times, certain lands were considered partable between lords.

Examples of usage

  • 6 is divisible by 3 because 6 ÷ 3 = 2
  • 12 is divisible by 4 because 12 ÷ 4 = 3

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Mathematics

  • A number is divisible by another if dividing them results in a whole number, which is key for understanding fractions and ratios.
  • Even numbers are always divisible by 2, while multiples of 5 end in 0 or 5, making them easy to recognize.
  • Rules exist for divisibility, such as a number is divisible by 3 if the sum of its digits is also divisible by 3.

Historical Origins

  • The concept of divisibility dates back to ancient civilizations such as the Babylonians, who used it in their numerical systems.
  • Euclid’s work in 'Elements' laid the foundations for number theory, including properties of divisibility that are still taught today.
  • The term 'divisible' stems from the Latin word 'divisibilis', meaning 'able to be divided'.

Pop Culture

  • In games like '24', players use basic arithmetic and understanding of divisibility to create equations from a set of numbers.
  • Mathematical concepts, including divisibility, often appear in puzzles and brain teasers, challenging problem-solving skills.
  • Popular movies depicting intelligent characters often feature math and logical puzzles, hinting at the importance of divisibility.

Science

  • Divisibility concepts are crucial in computer science algorithms, particularly in sorting data and cryptography.
  • In statistics, researchers often analyze data sets for divisibility to assess the distribution of variables.
  • Physical sciences also utilize divisibility in understanding phenomena such as waves and frequencies, which can be 'divided' in specific ratios.

Literature

  • Literary works often use mathematical themes to symbolize conflict or resolution, highlighting numbers and divisibility.
  • In poetry, the idea of being divisible can illustrate emotional themes, such as division or unity within human experiences.
  • Authors have played with the notion of divisible ideas, exploring complex relationships and varying perspectives on issues.

Origin of 'divisible'

The word 'divisible' originated from the Latin word 'divisibilis', which is derived from the verb 'dividere' meaning 'to divide'. The concept of divisibility has been a fundamental part of mathematics since ancient times, with early civilizations such as the Egyptians and Babylonians developing rules for divisibility. The study of divisibility plays a crucial role in number theory and arithmetic, forming the basis for various mathematical concepts and calculations.

See also: dividable, divide, divided, dividend, dividends, divider, dividers, dividing, division, divisive, divisor, divisors, misdivide, redivide, subdivide, subdivision, undivided.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,363, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.