How to Square Fractions

Squaring fractions is one of the simplest operations you can perform on fractions. If you haven't yet learned this skill, this article provides an easy overview that will improve your understanding quickly.

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1. 1 Consider how you square non-fractions. You multiply it by itself, as shown in the following example:

52 = 5 5 = 25

2. 2 Note that squaring fractions works the same way. For example:

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( 5/2 )2 = 5/2 5/2 = ( 52/22 ) = ( 25/4 )

3. 3 Check to see if you can reduce (simplify) the fraction before you square it. For example:

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( 12/16 )2 12 /16 reduces to 3/4 ( 12/16)2 = 144/256, which will simplify to 9/16 . ( 3/4 )2 = 9/16, which can not be reduced.

It is usually easier to reduce fractions before squaring them.

4. 4 Learn to recognize when you should wait to reduce a fraction. If solving a more complex equation, one of the factors could simply be "canceled" out, so you should wait to reduce. Changing the example above; adding an additional factor to the problem:

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16 (12/16)2 16 * 12/ * 12/16 = Canceling out 16's 12 12/16 = 12 3/4 = 9 , 12/16 is now reduced to 3/4 and multiplied times 12.

5. 5 Understand how to use a shortcut. Using the same example, remove the 2. For example:

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16 * ( 12/16 )2 = 16 * ( 122/162) = * 122/16, The factor 16 cancels out the exponent in the denominator. = 122/16 = 12*12/16 We can now reduce the fraction 12/16 to 3/4. = 12 * 3/4 = 9

6. 6 Keep an open mind. Several methods may be used to get to the same answer. The more complex an equation, the more options you may have.