Fractions: meaning, definitions and examples
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fractions
[ ˈfræk.ʃənz ]
mathematics
Fractions are numbers that represent a part of a whole. They consist of a numerator (the top number) and a denominator (the bottom number) separated by a fraction bar.
Synonyms
quotients, rational numbers.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| fractions |
Can refer to a small portion of something in everyday language.
|
| rational numbers |
Use in math to describe any number that can be expressed as a fraction.
|
| quotients |
Use in math when discussing the result of dividing one number by another.
|
Examples of usage
- A half is represented as 1/2.
- Two thirds is represented as 2/3.
- Three quarters is represented as 3/4.
Translations
Translations of the word "fractions" in other languages:
🇵🇹 frações
🇮🇳 भिन्न
🇩🇪 Brüche
🇮🇩 pecahan
🇺🇦 дроби
🇵🇱 ułamki
🇯🇵 分数 (ぶんすう)
🇫🇷 fractions
🇪🇸 fracciones
🇹🇷 kesirler
🇰🇷 분수
🇸🇦 كسور
🇨🇿 zlomky
🇸🇰 zlomky
🇨🇳 分数
🇸🇮 ulomki
🇮🇸 brot
🇰🇿 үлестер
🇬🇪 ფრაქციები
🇦🇿 kəsrlər
🇲🇽 fracciones
Etymology
The concept of fractions dates back to ancient Egypt around 1800 BC, where hieroglyphs indicated unit fractions. The Greeks also used fractions, but the modern notation we use today was developed in the Middle Ages. The word 'fraction' itself comes from the Latin word 'fractus', meaning 'broken' or 'divided'.
See also: fractional, fractionalized, fractionary, fractionated.