Math Is Fun Forum

Jibba Jabba

Member

Registered: 2013-11-29

Posts: 5

Terminology for Fractions

Hi

For the purpose of naming a variable in a computer program, what is the correct word that describes both parts of a fraction?

e.g. a/b

a = numerator
b = denominator
a & b = ?

bobbym

bumpkin

From: Bumpkinland

Registered: 2009-04-12

Posts: 109,606

Re: Terminology for Fractions

Hi Jibba Jabba;

Variables are usually given names that tell what they do. What does a / b do in your program?

Or do you want to know what the math name for a / b is?

---

In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.

Jibba Jabba

Member

Registered: 2013-11-29

Posts: 5

Re: Terminology for Fractions

Hi bobbym

Thanks for your quick reply.

I'm using the variable to store the lowest numerical value of a and b.

If,  let a = 1  and  b = 2.    Then  lowestValue = 1

So I'm looking for a noun, 'the math name',  that describes both a and b.  i.e.  lowestMathName

bobbym

bumpkin

From: Bumpkinland

Registered: 2009-04-12

Posts: 109,606

Re: Terminology for Fractions

The minimum is the closest math term. Is this for yourself or for an assignment?

---

In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.

Jibba Jabba

Member

Registered: 2013-11-29

Posts: 5

Re: Terminology for Fractions

For myself. I'm a self taught software dev enthusiast. I'm not a student of any kind except self ed.

Thanks for your answer.

That really surprises me you know. You've got numerator, denom, quotient etc  but no common name for the 2 values to share. Wow.

I'll have to name it something like lowestValue, a bit general, or lowerValueOfNumeratorDenominator, too long. That's a bit ruff. Or i'll have to make a name up but no one will know what it means.

minimum is too general. Any ideas?

This is my 1st post. Looks like a great forum. My Math level is a rusty High School grad level.

bobbym

bumpkin

From: Bumpkinland

Registered: 2009-04-12

Posts: 109,606

Re: Terminology for Fractions

The whole thing a / b is called a rational number or a fraction. That is a very general statement much like saying you and I are humans. Tells you alot about us but might make it difficult to tell us apart. You have chosen Jibba Jabba as your username. You did it for a purpose. Perhaps it reminds you of something you do not want to forget. Do the same with the variable name. In programming a good variable name helps you remember what the variable does.

---

In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.

Jibba Jabba

Member

Registered: 2013-11-29

Posts: 5

Re: Terminology for Fractions

Ok.

Top answer, thanks.

I'll check out the 'good variable naming' tip.

bobbym

bumpkin

From: Bumpkinland

Registered: 2009-04-12

Posts: 109,606

Re: Terminology for Fractions

I do not think you will have much problems naming it, after all you did come up with Jibba Jabba. By the way, welcome to the forum.

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In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.

Bob

Administrator

Registered: 2010-06-20

Posts: 10,643

Re: Terminology for Fractions

hi Jibba Jabba

Welcome to the forum.

i'll have to make a name up but no one will know what it means.

This happens a lot in maths.  But you're supposed to define your terms so others do know what you're talking about.

eg.

http://www2.edc.org/makingmath/handbook/teacher/definitions/definitions.asp

If I meet a new term I look it up on

http://www.mathwords.com/a_to_z.htm

Bob

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Children are not defined by school ...........The Fonz
You cannot teach a man anything;  you can only help him find it within himself..........Galileo Galilei
Sometimes I deliberately make mistakes, just to test you!  …………….Bob

Jibba Jabba

Member

Registered: 2013-11-29

Posts: 5

Re: Terminology for Fractions

Bob, I had a look at the links. Helpful. Thanks.

And thanks for the welcome. Great forum.