greatest common denominator
(gcide) | Denominator \De*nom"i*na`tor\, n. [Cf. F. d['e]nominateur.]
1. One who, or that which, gives a name; origin or source of
a name.
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This opinion that Aram . . . was the father and
denomination of the Syrians in general. --Sir W.
Raleigh.
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2. (Arith.) That number placed below the line in common
fractions which shows into how many parts the integer or
unit is divided.
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Note: Thus, in 3/5, 5 is the denominator, showing that the
integer is divided into five parts; and the numerator,
3, shows how many parts are taken.
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3. (Alg.) That part of any expression under a fractional form
which is situated below the horizontal line signifying
division.
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Note: In this sense, the denominator is not necessarily a
number, but may be any expression, either positive or
negative, real or imaginary. --Davies & Peck (Math.
Dict.)
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common denominator a number which can divide either of two
or more other numbers without leaving a remainder in any
of the divisions; as, 2 and 4 are common denominators of
12 and 28..
greatest common denominator the largest {common
denominator} of two or more numbers; as, 9 is the greatest
common denominator of 18 and 27..
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