The spelling of "sexagesimal fractions" may seem daunting at first glance, but it actually follows phonetic patterns. The word is pronounced /sɛksəˈdʒɛsɪməl ˈfrækʃənz/, with stress on the second syllable of "sexagesimal" and the first syllable of "fractions". The first part, "sexagesimal", derives from the Latin word "sexagesimus" meaning "sixtieth" and is pronounced with the "ks" sound followed by "ə". The second part, "fractions", is spelled phonetically with the sounds "frækʃ" and "ənz". So, with a little practice, the spelling of "sexagesimal fractions" becomes much easier to manage.
Sexagesimal fractions are a type of numerical representation widely used in various ancient and modern systems of counting, calculations, and measurements. These fractions are based on a sexagesimal, or base-60, numeral system, which divides the whole into 60 equal parts.
In this system, a sexagesimal fraction is expressed as a ratio of two integers: the numerator (top number) represents the number of parts or units being considered, while the denominator (bottom number) signifies the total number of parts that make up a whole. The denominator is typically fixed at 60, as it matches the base of the sexagesimal system.
Sexagesimal fractions provide a means to represent quantities that cannot be expressed as whole numbers or simple fractions, allowing for more precise measurements and calculations in many fields of study. They can be used to convey angles, time, geographic coordinates, and other quantities that involve divisions or subdivisions of a whole into 60 equal parts.
In sexagesimal notation, fractions can be represented using a degree symbol (°) followed by two digits for the numerator and two digits for the denominator, separated by a single quote (') or double quote ("). For instance, a sexagesimal fraction such as 45'30" represents 45 and a half of the total 60 parts.
Overall, sexagesimal fractions are a crucial aspect of various ancient and modern numeral systems, facilitating precise measurements and calculations in a wide range of fields.
Fractions having sixty, or some multiple of it, for their denominator.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "sexagesimal" originates from the Latin word "sexagesimus", which means "sixtieth". It comes from the combination of "sexaginta" (sixty) and the suffix "-esimus" (-tieth). The use of sexagesimal in mathematics refers to a base-60 numeral system that was widely used in ancient Mesopotamia and is still used in modern contexts, such as measuring time and angles.
The term "sexagesimal fractions" combines the word "sexagesimal" with "fractions". "Fractions" comes from the Latin word "fractus", meaning "broken". It signifies a part of a whole or a division of a unit. When combined, "sexagesimal fractions" refers to fractions that are based on a system of sixtieths, with each part being one-sixtieth of a whole.