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continued fraction
noun
: a fraction whose numerator is an integer and whose denominator is an integer plus a fraction whose numerator is an integer and whose denominator is an integer plus a fraction and so on
Examples of continued fraction in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Like its transcendental cousin π, e can be represented in countless ways — as the sum of infinite series, an infinite product, a limit of infinite sequences, an amazingly regular continued fraction, and so on.
—Quanta Magazine, 24 Nov. 2021
Continued fractions are approximations; as the height of the tower of numerators and denominators grows, the continued fraction approximation gets closer to the irrational number being approximated.
—Evelyn Lamb, Popular Mechanics, 23 Feb. 2021
The insight of the continued fraction approach to solving Pell’s equation is that when x and y are large, a difference of 1 is relatively small.
—Evelyn Lamb, Popular Mechanics, 23 Feb. 2021
That’s step one in converting to a continued fraction.
—Popular Mechanics, 21 Feb. 2021
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'continued fraction.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1811, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of continued fraction was
in 1811
Dictionary Entries Near continued fraction
Cite this Entry
“Continued fraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/continued%20fraction. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.
Kids Definition
continued fraction
noun
: a fraction whose numerator is a whole number and whose denominator is a whole number plus a fraction whose numerator is a whole number and whose denominator is a whole number plus a fraction and so on
More from Merriam-Webster on continued fraction
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about continued fraction
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