Online Encyclopedia
Fraction
(Redirected from Fractions)
In common usage a fraction is any part of a unit.
In mathematics:
- A vulgar fraction is a rational number written as one integer (the numerator) divided by a non-zero integer (the denominator). The line that separates the numerator and the denominator is called the vinculum. Sub-categories of the vulgar fraction include:
- irreducible fraction: a vulgar fraction "in lowest terms", where the numerator is an integer, the denominator is a positive integer, and the highest common factor of the numerator and the denominator is 1;
- proper fraction: a vulgar fraction with a value between zero and one;
- improper fraction: a vulgar fraction with a value greater than 1;
- unit fraction: a vulgar fraction with a numerator of 1;
- Egyptian fraction: the sum of distinct unit fractions;
- decimal fraction: a vulgar fraction where the denominator is a power of ten;
- dyadic fraction: a vulgar fraction in which the denominator is a power of two.
- A mixed fraction: A mixed fraction is an integer plus a proper fraction.
- A continued fraction is an expression such as:
- where the ai are positive integers.
- A compound fraction is a fraction where the numerator or denominator (or both) contain fractions.
- Partial fractions can be used to decompose a rational function.
- An irrational fraction is, if all fractions must be capable of being expressed as a vulgar fraction, a contradiction in terms. An irrational number is, by definition, not rational i.e. it cannot be expressed as a vulgar fraction.
In religion:
- In some Christian denominations, the Fraction is the ceremonial act of breaking the bread during Communion.
External links
- Curricula for Teaching about Fractions http://www.ericdigests.org/2000-2/fractions.htm
- Teaching Fractions: New Methods, New Resources http://www.ericdigests.org/2004-1/fractions.htm
- Worksheets: Identifying Fractions http://www.kwiznet.com/p/takeQuiz.php?ChapterID=1551&CurriculumID=4&Method=Works
heet - Worksheets: Improper Fractions to Mixed Numbers http://www.kwiznet.com/p/takeQuiz.php?ChapterID=1364&CurriculumID=4&Method=Works
heet - Curricula for Teaching about Equivalent Fractions http://www.math-lessons.ca
Last updated: 02-25-2005 14:30:09