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a
b
and b are the terms of the fraction. The term a is called the numerator and the term b is called
the denominator.
a. Simplifying fractions
A fraction is said to be reduced in lowest terms when the greatest common factor (GCF)
of its numerator and denominator is 1.
To reduce fractions to lowest terms,
1) Find the GCF of the numerator and denominator.
2) Divide both the numerator and denominator by the GCF.
Example: Reduce
20
24 to its lowest term.
24 is 4.
20 24 4 5
=
=
24 24 4 6
b. Multiplying fractions
In multiplying two or more fractions, simply multiply their numerators, and then multiply
their denominators. Simplify the product if possible. Note; express mixed fractions as
improper fraction
Before performing the operation.
a
a
c
c
In symbols, if b
are fractions, then b = ac
d
d
bd
c. Dividing Fractions
In dividing a fraction by another, multiply the reciprocal of the divisor by the
dividend. Simplify the quotient if possible. Note: Express mixed fractions as
improper fractions before performing the operation.
a
a
c
d
In symbols, if b
are fraction, then a c = b = ad
d
b d
c
bc
d. Adding and subtracting Fractions
then a c = b d .
b d
e
The LCD is the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators of the fraction.
LCM is the smallest natural number for which the both denominators are factors.
Example:
5 5 15+ 10 25
+ =
=
8 12
24
24
2 4
+
2 4
4+ 4
8
4
6
+
3 6
Example simplify
solution: 3 6 = 6 = 6 = 3 = 16
3
5
3
203 17
17
51
5
4
4
4
4
A complex fraction can also be simplified by multiplying both terms of the complex
fraction by the LCD of all the fractions in the complex fraction.
2 4
2 4
2 4
+
+
( + ) 12
3 6
3 6
3 6
8+8 16
=
=
=
Example: simplify
Solution:
3
3
3
609 51
5
5
(4 ) 12
4
4
4
Exercises:
a) Perform the indicated operations. Express the final answers as fractions in lowest terms.
1.
4
7
12 12
2.
5 7
4 16
3.
2
1
4 2
3
5
4.
12 5
+
17 17
5.
5
7
11 + 9
6
5
6.
3
5
1
7
3
7.
7
4
8
6
4
5
7
8.
3 12
5 35
9.
5
1
2 7
8
2
4)
4 3
5 8
5 7
6 8
( )
4 3
10. 7 6
( )
11.
1)
1 3
+
2 5
3 1
4 5
2)
5 5
10 3
3 2
1 +
6 3
3)
4
3
3
3
4+
4
5)
11
4
12
33
13 39
4 64
2
1+
6)
1
2
3
1
1
3
7)
1
2
1+
2
1+
3
8)
5 3
6 8
5 3
6 8
n
d where n and d are polynomials, where
1.
10 x y z
12 x 3 y 7 z 2
13)
2.
10 x 35 x 2
15 x 7
3 5
Solution: GCF= 2 x y z
10 x 4 y 5 z 2 x 3 y 5 z
5x
= 2
3 7 2
3 5
12 x y z 2 x y z 6 y z
Solution: Factor both terms of the rational expression, then divide out the
common factor.
14)
2
10 x 35 x 2 5 x ( 2 x1 ) 2 x1
=
=
3x
15 x 7
5 x 2 ( 3 x )5
3.
x 36
x6
Solution: Factor both terms of the rational expression, then divide out the
common factor.
2
15)
4.
3 y +7 y6
y 2 + y6
Solution: Factor both terms of the rational expression, then divide out the
common factor.
16)
5.
y 2 y6
9 y 2
17)
3 y 2 +7 y6 (3 y2)( y +3) 3 y2
=
=
( y2)( x+5)
y 2
y 2 + y6
solution:
( y +2)( y3)
y 2 y6 ( y+ 2)( y 3)
y +2
=
=
=
2
(37)(3+ y ) (1)( y3)(3+ y) 3+ y
9 y