Art. 178. When a number or thing is divided into two equal
parts, one of those parts is called one half. If the niimber cr
thing is divided into three equal parts, one of the parts is called
one third ; if it is divided into four equal parts, one of the parts
Is called one fourth, or one quarter ; and, universally,

Wlien a number or thing is divided into equal parts, the parts
take their name from the number of parts into which the thing or
number is divided.
179. The value of one of these eqnal parts manifestly depends
upon the number of parts into which the given number or thing
is divided. Thus, if an orange is successively divided into 2, 3,
4, 5, 6, (fee, equal parts, the thirds will be less than the halves ;
the fourths, than the thirds ; the fifths, than the fourths, &c.
Obs. a half of any number is equal to as many units, as 2 is contained
times in that number; a third of a number is equal to as many, as 3 is con-
tained times in tiio given ijumber; a fourth is equal to as many, as 4 is con-
tained in the number, &c.
180. When a number or thing is divided into equal parts,
these parts are called Fractions.
Obs. Fractions are used to express parts of a collection of things, as well as
of n angle thing ; or parts of any number of units, as well as of one i-nit.
Thus, wo speak of ^ of six oranges ; ^ of 75, &c. In this case the coUeclion,
or number to be divided into equal parts, is regarded as a whole.
