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What is the definition of "fraction of zeros"?

Here is an example of its usage.

Sorry for such a simple question, but I have searched quite a bit now and have not been able to find a definition for this.

Pedro Lopes
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    Without too much further context, I would interpret the phrase as "fraction of [outcomes which are] zeros". – Joey Zou Aug 01 '16 at 22:53
  • In context, it'd be the same thing of say "percentage of cats" i.e. what percentage of a sample are cats. In this case instead of taking a sample of animals you are taking a sample of numerical results, some fraction of which are zero. I have to admit "fraction of zero" is a very poor choice of words as it sounds as though it could mean an arithmetic term the reader is unfamiliar with instead of its prosaic meaning. – fleablood Aug 15 '16 at 15:49

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Fraction of zeros is the percentage amount of statistical data which is zero. It is relevant in statistical models where a significant amount of objects has zero value. See zero inflated models for some more information or this blog for discussing their relevance.

You may also search for the string zero in your referred book. You will find there some text entries about inflated models.

Markus Scheuer
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