Divisor Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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divisor
[dɪˈvaɪzər ]
Definitions
mathematics
A divisor is a number that divides another number without leaving a remainder. In other words, when a number is divided by a divisor, the result is a whole number.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The divisors of 10 are 1, 2, 5, and 10.
- 6 is a divisor of 18.
finance
In finance, a divisor is a number used to adjust an index to ensure that changes in the values of its components are accurately reflected in the index level.
Synonyms
adjustment factor.
Examples of usage
- The Dow Jones Industrial Average uses a divisor to calculate its value.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Mathematics
- In basic math, a divisor is a number that can perfectly divide another number without leaving any leftovers.
- Every number has at least two divisors: 1 and itself. For example, the number 6 can be divided by 1, 2, 3, and 6.
- Understanding divisors is crucial for finding factors, which helps in simplifying fractions and solving equations.
History
- Division as a mathematical concept dates back to ancient civilizations, including Egyptian and Mesopotamian cultures.
- The use of divisors was essential for traders and merchants in historically calculating shares and resources.
- Euclid’s Elements, written around 300 BC, lays foundational principles for divisors and their properties.
Pop Culture
- Many video games incorporate division to solve puzzles or calculate scores, emphasizing the divisor in a fun way.
- In movies, mathematical problems often portray mathematicians using divisors to showcase their problem-solving skills.
- TV shows like 'Numb3rs' frequently use mathematical concepts including divisors to drive plots and create suspense.
Education
- Understanding divisors is a key part of early mathematics education, often introduced in fourth grade.
- Teachers encourage using manipulatives, like blocks or counters, to help visualize the concept of division and divisors.
- Divisors are often explored through games and activities that make learning math engaging and interactive.
Origin of 'divisor'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'divisor', meaning 'one that divides'.
- Etymologically, it’s linked to 'dividere', which means 'to divide'.
- The prefix 'di-' means 'two', hinting at the division of something into two parts.
The word 'divisor' originated from the Latin word 'dividere', which means 'to divide'. The concept of divisors has been fundamental in mathematics for centuries, dating back to ancient civilizations such as the Babylonians and Greeks. The notion of divisors has applications in various fields, including number theory, algebra, and finance.
See also: dividable, divide, divided, dividend, dividends, divider, dividers, dividing, divisible, division, divisive, divisors, misdivide, redivide, subdivide, subdivision, undivided.