Fractions whose numerator and denominator share a common factor can be simplified. See why this is the case, with multiple examples to demonstrate the process.
Tag: Equivalence
Negative Differences
Math problems often include negative differences. Familiarity with ways of manipulating them will help to both avoid common errors and recognize equivalent expressions.
Negative Fractions
Explanation of why a negative sign can be placed, or moved to, in front of a fraction, in front of its numerator, or in front of its denominator, without changing the value of the fraction.
Algebra Intro 11: Dividing Fractions, Equivalent Fractions
Once a person is comfortable with multiplying fractions, dividing one fraction by another becomes fairly straightforward. Dividing Fractions An alternative to division by any number (not just a fraction) is “multiplying by the reciprocal”. Dividing by two has the same effect as multiplying by one half. Multiplying by the reciprocal of a number will always produce…… Continue reading Algebra Intro 11: Dividing Fractions, Equivalent Fractions
Equivalence Deserves More Attention
Most students taking courses in Algebra or higher seem quite comfortable with the idea of “equivalent fractions”: improper or unsimplified fractions all of which evaluate to the same decimal value. An example would be $latex \dfrac{2}{3}=\dfrac{4}{6}=\dfrac{12}{18}=\dfrac{60}{90}=0.\overline{666}&s=2&bg=ffffff&fg=000000$ To create such fractions, multiply whatever fraction you wish to start with by 1 (the multiplicative identity) in the…… Continue reading Equivalence Deserves More Attention
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