Use the following steps to simplify a fraction.
Simplifying Fractions
To simplify a fraction,remove factors equal to 1of the form and so
on, using the following procedure:
- Factor (or prime factor) the numerator and denominator to determine their
common factors. - Remove factors equal to 1 by replacing each pair of factors common to the
numerator and denominator with the equivalent fraction - Multiply the remaining factors in the numerator and in the denominator.
Negative fractions are simplified in the same way as positive fractions. Just
remember to write a negative sign in front of each step of the solution. For example,
to simplify we proceed as follows:
ANSWERS TO SELF CHECKS
- a.numerator: 7; denominator: 9 b.numerator: 21; denominator: 20 2. a. b.
- a. 1 b. 51 c.undefined d. 0 4. 5. 6. a.yes b.no 7. a. b.
- a.^59 b.in simplest form9.^94
1
3
2
5
30
3
15
24
20
31
11
31
5
11
15
33
3
1
5
3
1
11
^1533
1
1.
2
2
,
3
3
,
4
4
,
5
5
,
216 Chapter 3 Fractions and Mixed Numbers
Fill in the blanks.
- A describes the number of equal parts of a
whole. - For the fraction the is 7 and the
is 8. - If the numerator of a fraction is less than its
denominator, the fraction is called a fraction.
If the numerator of a fraction is greater than or equal
to its denominator it is called an fraction. - Each of the following fractions is a form of.
...
- Two fractions are if they represent the
same number. - fractions represent the same portion of a
whole.
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
5
5
6
6
7
7
8
8
9
9
7
8 ,
VOCABULARY 7. Writing a fraction as an equivalent fraction with a
larger denominator is called the fraction.
- A fraction is in form, or lowest terms, when
the numerator and denominator have no common
factors other than 1. - What concept studied in this
section is shown on the right? - What concept studied in this section does the
following statement illustrate?
...
1
2
2
4
3
6
4
8
5
10
CONCEPTS
SECTION 3.1 STUDY SET