What is the term for a number by which another number is divided?

The term for a number by which another number is divided is "divisor." In division, the divisor is the amount that divides the dividend. For example, in the equation 12 ÷ 3 = 4, the number 3 is the divisor since it divides the dividend, which is 12. The resulting number, which is 4 in this case, is known as the quotient. Understanding the role of the divisor is essential for grasping the concepts of division and how numbers interact with one another in mathematical operations.

In mathematical terminology, the other terms mentioned have specific meanings:

• The dividend is the number being divided.

• The denominator refers to the bottom number in a fraction, which can be seen as the divisor in its fractional context.

• A factor is a number that can be multiplied by another number to yield a specific product.

Recognizing these distinctions is important for mastering arithmetic and algebraic principles.