partial fraction

American

noun

Algebra.

one of the fractions into which a given fraction can be resolved, the sum of such simpler fractions being equal to the given fraction.

Partial fractions of 5/(x2−x) are 5/(x−1) and −5/x.

partial fraction British

noun

maths one of a set of fractions into which a more complicated fraction can be resolved

"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 partial fraction

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

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The partial fraction bn/an corresponding to the nth convergent can be found from the relations pn = anpn-1 + bnpn-2, qn = anqn-1 + bnqn-2 ; and the first two partial quotients are given by b1 = p1, a1 = q1, b1a2 = p2, a1a2 + b2 = q2.

From Project Gutenberg

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