Aliquot
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In mathematics, an aliquot part (or simply aliquot) of an integer is any of its integer divisors. For instance, 2 is an aliquot of 12. The sum of all the aliquots of an integer n is the value σ(n) of the divisor function σ at n.
In chemistry, an aliquot is usually a portion of a total amount of a solution.
The word is derived from the Latin aliquoties, "several times".
In pharmaceutics, aliquot refers to a method of measuring ingredients below the sensitivity of a scale. For example, if a scale is inaccurate for samples under 120 mg, but the prescription calls for only 40 mg of drug, an aliquot must be done. This involves adding active ingredient and a proportional amount of diluent to make a "stock" supply. In this case, 120 mg active drug must be weighed and mixed with diluent. Once this stock supply is made, at least 120 mg of this mixture will be taken out and used (as long as this portion contains exactly 40 mg of active drug).
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[edit] Music
In the construction of string instruments often aliquot parts of the scale length are being used to enhance the timbre of musical instruments. In pianos the aliquot stringing system is sometimes used. Other instruments like the moodswinger, other 3rd bridge guitars and non-Western traditional instruments with sympathetic strings make also use of timbre enhancing based on aliout stringing and string resonance. The aliquot position (1/7th of the scale length) of the bridge on a violin is also important for the sound of the instrument.
[edit] Aliquant
Differently, an aliquant part (or simply aliquant) is an integer that is not an exact divisor of a given quantity. For instance, 7 is an aliquant of 16. All numbers which are greater than half of a given quantity, except itself, are aliquants of the given quantity.