MATHEMATICS 17 



which demonstrates that it consists of 2 eight times 

 taken. 



In dividing large numbers by one another, we make 

 use of a device analogous to that of multiplication, 

 beginning, however, with the other end of the series. 

 We begin in this way, because, in division, we have first 

 to do with symbols expressing the highest value concerned, 

 the simple units coming last. 



Thus if, e.g., 40,925 be divided by 362, we then see both 

 how many times the lesser number is contained in 

 the greater and what still lesser number remains as a 

 residue, Making use of the multiplication table and 

 writing down the process in the usual way, we have : 



362)40925(113 

 362 



472 

 362 



1105 



1086 



which shows us that the lesser number is contained 113 

 times in the greater number and that 19 units remain 

 over. 



As most readers of this book of course know, there 

 are symbols, not only for numbers representing units, 

 but also for parts of units or fractions : such as -J (a 

 half), J (a fifth), - (seven-ninths), &c. 



The figure below the line is called the denominator, 

 because it indicates what proportion (or " denomina- 

 tion ") of a whole number it is ; while the figure above 

 the line is called the numerator, because it indicates of 



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