divider

A divider is a term used for an object or concept that creates separation between two parts, spaces, or quantities. Dividers appear in everyday life as physical partitions, as tools in technical work, and as mathematical or computational elements that separate or partition values and data.

In mathematics, the standard term is divisor. A divisor of an integer n is a number that divides n exactly, leaving no remainder. For example, 3 and 4 are divisors of 12. Divisors come in pairs whose product is n, and they underpin factorization, fractions, and many numerical algorithms. The term divider is sometimes used interchangeably in casual contexts, but divisor is preferred in formal mathematics.

In electronics, a voltage divider uses two resistors or impedances to scale an input voltage to a smaller output voltage, following Vout = Vin × R2/(R1+R2). A current divider distributes current among parallel branches according to each branch’s impedance. Dividers are common in sensor conditioning, reference generation, and signal processing circuits.

Physical dividers include room dividers or partitions that separate spaces within a larger area, providing privacy or zoning without building a wall. Drafting dividers are measuring tools with two legs, used to transfer distances, mark locations, or scribe arcs in geometry and surveying.

In computing and user interfaces, a divider (often called a splitter) is a draggable UI element that separates panes or panels and allows the user to resize them, as seen in integrated development environments, file managers, and dashboard layouts.