DENOMINATOR

, of a fraction, is the number or quantity placed below the line, which shew<*> the whole integer, or into how many parts the integer is supposed to be divided by the fraction; as that which gives denomination or name to the parts of the fraction. Thus, in the fraction 5/12, five-twelfths, the number 12 is the denominator, and shews that the integer is here divided into 12 parts, or that it consists of 12 of those | parts of which the numerator contains 5. Also b is the denominator of the fraction a/b.

Denomina tor of a ratio, is the quotient arising fron the division of the antecedent by the consequent. Thus, 6 is the denominator of the ratio 30 to 5, because 30 divided by 5 gives 6. It is otherwise called the exponent of the ratio.