complex fraction

American

noun

Mathematics.

a fraction in which the numerator or the denominator or both contain one or more fractions.

complex fraction British

noun

Also called: compound fraction. maths a fraction in which the numerator or denominator or both contain fractions

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of complex fraction

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Recall from Use the Language of Algebra that a complex fraction is a fraction that contains a fraction in the numerator, the denominator or both.

From Textbooks • May 6, 2020

A fraction in which the numerator or the denominator is a fraction is called a complex fraction.

From Textbooks • Apr. 22, 2020

A complex fraction is another way of writing division of two fractions.

From Textbooks • Apr. 22, 2020

In Example 2.19, we look at simplifying a complex fraction.

From Textbooks • Mar. 30, 2016

She explained it all to Elizabeth one day, behind their slates, when the complex fraction refused to become simple.

From 'Lizbeth of the Dale by MacGregor, Mary Esther Miller

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023