Reducing Fractions: Example

Rule 10:
To reduce a simple fraction, follow the following three steps:

1.
Factor the numerator.
2.
Factor the denominator.
3.
Find the fraction mix that equals 1.

Example: Reduce the fraction tex2html_wrap_inline36 .

Answer. Factor the numerator and factor the denominator and look for the fractions in the mix that have a value of 1.

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The fraction tex2html_wrap_inline36 has been reduced into the equivalent fraction tex2html_wrap_inline42 .

Now prove to yourself with your calculator that both fractions are equivalent. When you divided 125 by 50, you will get the same answer as when you divide 5 by 2.

If you would like to see another example, click on the word Example.

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Author: Nancy Marcus

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