Octave reduction

Octave reduction is the process of multiplying an interval with a whole-number power of 2 (2/1 = octave) until it has a real-number value greater or equal than 1 and less than 2.

In other words, an octave-reduced interval r satisfies the equation 1 <= r < 2.

Examples

• Adding 4 fifths corresponds to calculating the product of 4 time (3/2 the interval ratio) leading to 81/16. This interval (5.0625 in decimal representation) is greater than 2 octaves (2*2 = 2^2 = 4), but less than 3 octaves (2*2*2 = 2^3 = 8). So it gets divided by 2 (or multiplied by 1/2) two times: (81/16)*(1/2)*(1/2) = 81 / (16*2*2) = 81/64
• Subtracting a fourth (4/3) from minor third 6/5 corresponds to dividing 6/5 by 4/3 which is the same as (6/5)*(3/4) = 18/20 = 9/10. The result (0.9 in decimal representation) is less than 1 but greater than 1/2 (which mean one octave down). So it gets multiplied by 2 once: 9/10*2 = 18/10 = 9/5.

See also

• Octave-reduce