nLab fraction

Idea

A fraction (or quotient) $\frac{x}{y}$ is the expression for the ratio of the quantity $x$ over $y$, hence for the product of a quantity $x$ with the multiplicative inverse of a quantity $y$.

In $\tfrac{x}{y}$

• $x$ is called the numerator and

• $y$ is called the denominator.

If $x = 1$ then one speaks of a unit fraction.

If $(x,y)$ are coprime integers then one speaks of a reduced fraction or irreducible fraction.

Related concepts

• field of fractions

• rational number, rational function

• calculus of fractions

• localization of a ring

• fractional quantum Hall effect

References

See also:

• Wikipedia: Fraction

• Wikipedia: Unit fraction

• Wikipedia: Irreducible fraction