Fraction (mathematics): Difference between revisions
imported>Olier Raby (A concept used to convey a proportional relation between a part and the whole) |
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In [[mathematics]], a '''fraction''' is a concept used to convey a proportional relation between a part and the whole. It consists of a [[numerator]] (an [[integer]] - the part) and a [[denominator]] (a [[natural number]] - the whole). For instance, the fraction <math> \scriptstyle \frac{3}{5} </math> can represent three equal parts of a whole object, if the object is divided into five equal parts. A fraction with equal numerator and denominator is equal to one (e.g., <math> \scriptstyle \frac{5}{5} = 1 </math>). We can represent all [[rational number]]s with fractions. | In [[mathematics]], a '''fraction''' is a concept used to convey a proportional relation between a part and the whole. It consists of a [[numerator]] (an [[integer]] - the part) and a [[denominator]] (a [[natural number]] - the whole). For instance, the fraction <math> \scriptstyle \frac{3}{5} </math> can represent three equal parts of a whole object, if the object is divided into five equal parts. A fraction with equal numerator and denominator is equal to one (e.g., <math> \scriptstyle \frac{5}{5} = 1 </math>). We can represent all [[rational number]]s with fractions. | ||
Fractions are a special case of [[ratio]]s. For instance, <math> \scriptstyle \frac{e}{\pi} </math> is a valid ratio, but it is not a fraction since we cannot compute an equivalent fraction with integer numerator and integer denominator. | |||
Since we can compute the quotient from a fraction, we can represent any fraction with a [[decimal number]] (e.g., <math> \scriptstyle \frac{3}{5} = 0.6 </math>). However, because the [[division by zero]] is undefined, zero should never be the denominator of a fraction. | |||
Revision as of 06:24, 6 March 2008
In mathematics, a fraction is a concept used to convey a proportional relation between a part and the whole. It consists of a numerator (an integer - the part) and a denominator (a natural number - the whole). For instance, the fraction can represent three equal parts of a whole object, if the object is divided into five equal parts. A fraction with equal numerator and denominator is equal to one (e.g., ). We can represent all rational numbers with fractions.
Fractions are a special case of ratios. For instance, is a valid ratio, but it is not a fraction since we cannot compute an equivalent fraction with integer numerator and integer denominator.
Since we can compute the quotient from a fraction, we can represent any fraction with a decimal number (e.g., ). However, because the division by zero is undefined, zero should never be the denominator of a fraction.
