SOLUTION: how do you simplify fractions

Algebra ->  Equations -> SOLUTION: how do you simplify fractions      Log On


   



Question 29999: how do you simplify fractions
Answer by josmiceli(19441) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
fractions are simplified by dividing the top and bottom by the same number
this never changes the value of the fraction
given this fraction
6+%2F+8
suppose a is any number
+%286+%2A+%281%2Fa%29%29+%2F+%288+%2A+%281%2Fa%29%29
but you want to pick "a" so the fraction is simplified
If a = 2, then
+%286+%2A+%281%2F2%29%29+%2F+%288+%2A+%281%2F2%29%29
that gives us
+3+%2F+4+ and the fraction hasn't changed value
try a harder one
+13+%2F+39
+%2813+%2A+%281%2Fa%29%29+%2F+%2839+%2A+%281%2Fa%29%29
pick 13 for a. Always pick the largest number that will divide top and
bottom evenly
+%2813+%2A+%281%2F13%29%29+%2F+%2839+%2A+%281%2F13%29%29
+1+%2F+3
hope this helps