# Rate (mathematics)

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Rate (mathematics)

A rate is a special kind of ratio, indicating a relationship between two measurements. A rate may be defined using two numbers of the same units resulting in a dimensionless quantity (for example, "1 in 10 people"), or may be defined by two different measurements with different units (for example, "metres per second" used in speed).

Often rate is a synonym of rhythm or frequency, a count per second. Examples are heart rate or sample rate.

Example

When dealing with rates, the division operator is sometimes expressed as "per". If the units are expressed without abbreviation, the bottom unit is singular. If one travels 5 meters in 2 seconds, the following rate is:

:$frac\left\{5 mathrm\left\{meters\left\{2 mathrm\left\{seconds = frac\left\{5\right\}\left\{2\right\} mathrm\left\{meters per second\right\} = 2.5 mathrm\left\{meters per second\right\}$

Unit rate

A unit rate is a rate that is simplified so it has a denominator of 1. This type of rate is frequently used when referring to statistics.fact|date=October 2007

ee also

*Rate of change in calculus / marginal rate
*Reaction rate in chemistry
*Rate of reinforcement in behaviorism
*Bit rate in computing
*Rate of return in finance
*Effective interest rate in finance
*Yield in finance

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