numerator vs. denominator
numerator vs. denominator: What's the difference?
In a fraction (like ⅜), the top number (3) is called the numerator, and the bottom number (8) is called the denominator. The denominator indicates how many segments the whole is divided into; the numerator indicates how many of those segments there are (the fraction ⅜ means there are three segments out of a possible eight). When a fraction is considered as a division equation, the numerator is the dividend; the denominator is the divisor.
noun
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Arithmetic. the term of a fraction, usually above the line, that indicates the number of equal parts that are to be added together; the dividend placed over a divisor.
The numerator of the fraction 2/3 is 2.
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a person or thing that numbers.
noun
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Arithmetic. that term of a fraction, usually written under the line, that indicates the number of equal parts into which the unit is divided; divisor.
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something shared or held in common; standard.
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Archaic. a person or thing that denominates.
