fraction
n
a a ratio of two expressions or numbers other than zero
b any rational number that can be expressed as the ratio of two integers, a/b, where b does not equal a, 1, or 0, and a does not equal 0
2 any part or subdivision
a substantial fraction of the nation
3 a small piece; fragment
4 (Chem) a component of a mixture separated by a fractional process, such as fractional distillation
5 (Christianity) the formal breaking of the bread in Communion
7 tr to divide (C14: from Late Latin fractio a breaking into pieces, from Latin fractus broken, from frangere to break)
common fraction
n another name for →
simple fraction
complex fraction
n (Maths) a fraction in which the numerator or denominator or both contain fractions, (Also called)
compound fraction
compound fraction
n another name for →
complex fraction
continued fraction
n a number plus a fraction whose denominator contains a number and a fraction whose denominator contains a number and a fraction, and so on
decimal fraction
n another name for →
decimal →
1
improper fraction
n a fraction in which the numerator has a greater absolute value or degree than the denominator, as 7/6 or (x2 + 3)/(x + 1)
packing fraction
n a measure of the stability of a nucleus, equal to the difference between its mass in amu and its mass number, divided by the mass number
partial fraction
n (Maths) one of a set of fractions into which a more complicated fraction can be resolved
proper fraction
n a fraction in which the numerator has a lower absolute value than the denominator, as ½ or x/(3 + x2)
simple fraction
n a fraction in which the numerator and denominator are both integers expressed as a ratio rather than a decimal, (Also called)
common fraction, vulgar fraction
vulgar fraction
n another name for →
simple fraction