To reduce(simplify) a fraction:
- Find the prime factors of the numerator and denominator.
- Divide the numerator and denominator by all the prime factors they have in common.
Example[]
Simplify:
Write the numerator and denominator as products of their prime factors:
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The common prime factors are 2, 2, 5 and 5. Divide numerator and denominator by 2*2*5*5:
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Simplify the denominator:
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Harder example[]
Simplify:
Write the numerator and denominator as products of their prime factors:
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The common prime factor is 71. Divide numerator and demominator by 71.
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