fraction: Notation for Fractions

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Encyclopedia—fraction

Notation for Fractions

In writing a fraction, e.g., 2/5 or $2/5$ , the number after or below the bar represents the total number of parts into which the unit has been divided. This number is called the denominator. The number before or above the bar, the numerator, denotes how many of the equal parts of the unit have been taken. The expression 2/5, then, represents the fact that two of the five parts of the unit or quantity have been taken. The present notation for fractions is of Hindu origin, but some types of fractions were used by the Egyptians before 1600 B.C. Another way of representing fractions is by decimal notation (see decimal system).

Sections in this article:

Introduction
Notation for Fractions
Characteristics of Fractions
Arithmetic Operations Involving Fractions

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