Chapter 1 FraCtions 25

fraction division. We use one of three rules, depending on whether there is a

fraction in the numerator, denominator, or both.

1. If the fraction is in the numerator:

ab

W

a

b

W a

b

Wa

bW

a

bW

=÷ =÷=⋅ =

1

(^1).

2. If the fraction is in the denominator: W W a
   b

Wb

a

Wb

ab a

=÷=⋅=

1

3. If fractions are in both numerator and denominator:

ab

dc

a

b

c

d

a

b

d

c

ad

bc

=÷=⋅=.

EXAMPLES

Simplify the compound fraction.

(^23)
(^16)
2
3
1
6
2
3
6
1
12
3
=÷=⋅== 4
1 1 2
3
13
2
3
(^232)
=÷ =⋅ =
(^89)
5
8
9
5 8
9
1
5
8
45
=÷=⋅=
PRACTICE
Simplify the compound fraction.

1.^35
9

=

2.^84
3

=

3.

(^57)
2

4. 
   

   114
   2

   
   


5. 
   

   (^1027)
   47 =
   EXAMPLES
   Simplify the compound fraction.
   PRACTICE
   Simplify the compound fraction.