In this D'var Torah that I wrote for the Center for Modern Torah Leadership, I cover an Ohr HaChayim that differentiates between part-to-part and part-to-whole ratios and a Malbim that references equivalent fractions. We also sneak in some thoughts about division, counting and parts of different wholes.
My favorite line is Rav Eliyahu Munk's translation of Ohr HaChayim:
"The Ohr Hachaim accepts Ramban’s question, writing, “למה האריך כל כך בפרטי החשבון בדבר שיכול כל הבא למנות לידע ”, hilariously translated by Rav Eliyahu Munk as “Who amongst us cannot figure out what half of a total of 675,000 sheep amounts to?”"
Who, indeed?
It's not usually taught in Jewish day schools, but there's a lot of math in Matot!
Enjoy. Shabbat shalom!
