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In mathematics, a rate is the quotient of two quantities, often represented as a fraction. [1] If the divisor (or fraction denominator) in the rate is equal to one expressed as a single unit, and if it is assumed that this quantity can be changed systematically (i.e., is an independent variable), then the dividend (the fraction numerator) of the rate expresses the corresponding rate of change ...
The problem of representing a given rational number as a sum of unit fractions is closely related to the construction of Egyptian fractions, sums of distinct unit fractions; however, for fuse-burning problems there is no need for the fractions to be different from each other.
The topic of Egyptian fractions has also seen interest in modern number theory; for instance, the Erdős–Graham problem [9] and the Erdős–Straus conjecture [10] concern sums of unit fractions, as does the definition of Ore's harmonic numbers.
Egyptian fractions can provide a solution to rope-burning puzzles, in which a given duration is to be measured by igniting non-uniform ropes which burn out after a unit time. Any rational fraction of a unit of time can be measured by expanding the fraction into a sum of unit fractions and then, for each unit fraction /, burning a rope so that ...
The conjecture is named after Paul Erdős and Ernst G. Straus, who formulated it in 1948, but it is connected to much more ancient mathematics; sums of unit fractions, like the one in this problem, are known as Egyptian fractions, because of their use in ancient Egyptian mathematics.
Because it is a divergent series, it should be interpreted as a formal sum, an abstract mathematical expression combining the unit fractions, rather than as something that can be evaluated to a numeric value. There are many different proofs of the divergence of the harmonic series, surveyed in a 2006 paper by S. J. Kifowit and T. A. Stamps. [13]
Bank of America (NYSE: BAC): Buffett's largest bank stock investment has a lot to gain as interest rates come down. Its deposit cost, currently a little over 2%, should gradually come down and its ...
Find facts relating the original unit to the desired unit: 1 mile = 5280 feet and 1 hour = 3600 seconds; Next use the above equations to construct a fraction that has a value of unity and that contains units such that, when it is multiplied with the original physical value, will cancel the original units: