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Fraction: meaning, definitions and examples

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fraction

 

[ˈfrækʃ(ə)n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

mathematics

A fraction is a numerical quantity that is not a whole number; a part or a number of parts of a whole.

Synonyms

division, portion, segment.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fraction

This term is commonly used in mathematics to describe a part of a whole, especially when dealing with numbers. It can also be used in a general sense to describe anything that is a small part of something larger.

  • In math class, we learned how to convert a fraction into a decimal.
  • A small fraction of the population voted in the local elections.
portion

This term suggests a part or share of something larger, often used in the context of food or non-mathematical situations. It indicates a specific amount of a larger whole.

  • She had a small portion of cake after dinner.
  • Only a portion of the budget was allocated to new projects.
segment

Typically used to describe a distinct part of something that is divided, often in technical contexts or when discussing parts of a market, time, or physical objects.

  • The orange is divided into several segments.
  • The company focused on the youth market segment for their new product.
division

Often used in both mathematical contexts to refer to the process of dividing, and in more general contexts to mean splitting something into parts. It can also imply a disagreement or separation between groups of people.

  • The division of 20 by 4 equals 5.
  • There was a clear division of responsibilities in the team.
  • The political debate led to a division within the community.

Examples of usage

  • She ate a fraction of the cake.
  • The glass was filled to three-quarters, which is equivalent to 3/4 as a fraction.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

A small or tiny part of something.

Synonyms

fragment, shred, sliver.

Examples of usage

  • He only heard a fraction of the conversation.
  • The team won by a fraction of a second.
Context #3 | Noun

chemistry

A chemical compound composed of an atom or group of atoms bonded to an atom or group of atoms of another element.

Synonyms

blend, compound, mixture.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fraction

Use when referring to a part of a whole, especially in mathematics or science.

  • One-half is a fraction of one whole.
  • A small fraction of the population supports the new policy.
compound

Use when referring to a substance formed by the chemical combination of two or more elements, or for a thing that consists of multiple parts.

  • Water is a chemical compound made of hydrogen and oxygen.
  • The scientist studied various organic compounds.
mixture

Use when different substances are mixed together but retain their individual properties. Commonly used in chemistry, cooking, and general science.

  • The recipe calls for a mixture of flour and water.
  • The air is a mixture of gases.
blend

Use when combining different elements smoothly into one. Often used in cooking or talking about harmony in visual art or music.

  • She made a delicious smoothie by blending strawberries and bananas.
  • The artist blended colors to create a beautiful sunset.

Examples of usage

  • Water is a compound made up of hydrogen and oxygen atoms in a 2:1 ratio, represented by the chemical formula H2O.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'fractio,' meaning 'to break' or 'a breaking.'
  • In the 15th century, the term started being used in mathematics to describe parts of a whole.
  • Before the word was popularized, fractions were referred to by various terms in different cultures.

Mathematics

  • Fractions consist of two parts: the numerator (top number) indicates how many parts you have, while the denominator (bottom number) shows how many equal parts make up a whole.
  • Improper fractions can have a numerator larger than the denominator, meaning you have more than one whole.
  • Fractions are essential in everyday life, like when cooking or dividing things among friends.

History

  • Ancient Egyptians were among the first to use fractions, primarily for division.
  • The concept of fractions evolved in Europe through the works of mathematicians like Fibonacci in the 13th century.
  • In some cultures, ratios and portions were used long before modern fractions were formally recognized.

Pop Culture

  • Fractions feature prominently in movies and television, such as in scenes where characters must split bills or share items.
  • Educational games and shows often use fractions to engage children, such as 'Fraction Pizza' games.
  • The term 'fraction' has been used metaphorically in pop culture to discuss divisions within society or groups.

Psychology

  • Understanding fractions can help develop critical thinking skills as people learn to compare and manipulate parts.
  • Research suggests that people often visualize fractions as pie charts or bar graphs to better understand proportions.
  • Cognitive studies show that mastering fractions early on can enhance mathematical abilities in children.

Translations

Translations of the word "fraction" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fração

🇮🇳 भिन्नांश

🇩🇪 Bruch

🇮🇩 pecahan

🇺🇦 дроб

🇵🇱 ułamek

🇯🇵 分数

🇫🇷 fraction

🇪🇸 fracción

🇹🇷 kesir

🇰🇷 분수

🇸🇦 كسر

🇨🇿 zlomek

🇸🇰 zlomok

🇨🇳 分数

🇸🇮 ulomek

🇮🇸 brot

🇰🇿 бөлшек

🇬🇪 წილი

🇦🇿 kəsir

🇲🇽 fracción

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,163, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.