Meaning & use
denominator
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Meanings
nouncountablemathematics
The number below the line in a fraction, showing how many equal parts the whole is divided into.
Grammar: Countable: one denominator, two denominators.
Patterns
- the denominator of a fraction
- a common denominator
In the fraction 3/4, the denominator is 4.
To add fractions, you need a common denominator.
The denominator tells you the total number of equal parts.
nouncountablefigurative
A shared characteristic or factor that makes different things similar or comparable.
Grammar: Often used in the phrase 'common denominator'.
Patterns
- a common denominator
- the lowest common denominator
The common denominator among the successful candidates was their persistence.
Music can be a common denominator that brings people together.
They tried to find a common denominator in their arguments.
Word forms
| plural | denominators |
|---|
Common combinations
- common denominator
- The teacher explained how to find a common denominator.
- lowest common denominator
- The film seemed aimed at the lowest common denominator.
- denominator of a fraction
- The denominator of the fraction 5/8 is 8.
Synonyms and how they differ
Opposites
Word family
- denominate verb
- To give a name to or express in a unit.
- denomination noun
- A name, category, or unit of value.
Commonly confused: denominator or numerator?
denominator vs numerator
The numerator is the top number in a fraction; the denominator is the bottom number.
Practice
In the fraction 7/9, what is the denominator?
Choose one answer.
The denominator is the bottom number, which shows the total number of equal parts, so it is 9. 7 is the numerator, 16 is the sum, and 63 is the product.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “denominator”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.