1.
denominator
The bottom number in a fraction, which indicates how many equal parts the whole is divided into. Also used figuratively to mean the base or total number in a ratio.
分母が同じ分数を足す。
Add fractions with the same denominator.
分母を揃えてから計算してください。
Please find a common denominator before calculating.
合格率の分母には欠席者も含まれている。
The denominator of the pass rate includes absentees as well.
USAGE:
分母 is a basic math term learned in elementary school. Beyond mathematics, it is used in everyday language to discuss rates and ratios — for example, when discussing what counts in the "total" for a percentage.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 分母を揃える (to find a common denominator)
- 分母が大きい (the denominator is large)
- 分母を増やす (to increase the denominator)
RELATED WORDS:
分子 is the numerator (the top number in a fraction). Note that 分子 also means "molecule" in a scientific context.