Equivalent Fractions: Simplifying And Building With Answers Page 7
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1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
1632
For example, we can attempt to reduce
as:
40
32
16 • 2
16
=
=
40
20 • 2
20
However, the result can be reduced further. Thus the GCF becomes the quickest (and safest, in
terms of errors) approach to simplify fractions.
Example 4
Use the greatest common factor to simplify each fraction.
56
a.
80
25
!
b.
150
48
!
c.
132
5xy
d.
10x
8
Solution
a.
The GCF of 56 and 80 is 8, so the form of 1 to use is
. Therefore:
8
56
7 • 8
7
=
=
80
10 • 8
10
25
b.
The GCF of 25 and 150 is 25, so the form of 1 to use is
. Therefore:
25
25
1 • 25
1
!
= !
= !
150
6 • 25
6
Note how our “invisible” factor of 1 is used in this fraction.
151
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