0
The idea is to eliminate common factors. Let me show you an example (start with a fraction, then show all the factors for numerator and denominator, then eliminate common factors - in the example, 2 and 5):
20 / 30 = (2 x 2 x 5) / (2 x 3 x 5) = 2 / 3
It is often faster not to do the complete factorization, but to find common factors. IN the above example, it is obvious that both are divisible by 10, so you can immeidately divide both by 10. If numerator and denominator are both even, divide both by 2; if both end with 5 or 0, divide both by 5. So, just see whether there are small factors in common (at least 2, 3, 5, and 7), and simplify, before doing the complete factorization.
There are a few other situations where you can avoid complete factorization - for example, you can't simplify a fraction:
- If there is a difference of 1 between numerator and denominator.
- If the numerator is 1.
- If one of the two (numerator vs. denominator) is a Prime number, and the other isn't divisi9ble by that prime number.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
How do you simplify fractions using the factor tree?
To simplify fractions, it is necessary to divide the numerator and the denominator by their GCF. You can find their GCF by comparing their prime factorizations. You can find their prime factorizations through the use of factor trees.
How do you add fractions using the least common denomanator?
Ok. First you make sure the denominator (bottom number) is the same on all the fractions. The easiest way to do this is to multiply the denominators together, then multiply each numerator by the opposite fractions denominator. This is the easiest way to do this, you will simplify later. ONLY DO THIS IF THE DENOMINATORS ARE DIFFERENT. If they are the same just add the numerators together to get your fraction. Then simplify.
When you reduce fractions like 300 over 450 to 2 over 3 are you using GCF or LCM?
more similar to the highest common factor. The way I do them is to divide top and bottom by the same until I cannot see anything else to simplify. Of course each time you are dividing by a common factor, so it would be HCF if you did it all in one go
Why is it important to learn about equivalent fractions?
Answer: When adding or subtracting fractions with different denominators it is important to change the denominators into the lowest common denominator by using equivalent fractions. Answer: Equivalent fractions are used to: * Simplify fractions. It is sort of inelegant to write the final solution of a problem as 123/246, when you can just as well write it as 1/2. * Add fractions. If two fractions have different denominators, you need to convert them to equivalent fractions that have the same denominator. Only then can you add. * Subtract fractions (same as addition). * Compare fractions, to check which one is larger (same as addition).
How do you simplify fractions using prime numbers?
To simplify a fraction using prime numbers, find the prime factors of both the numerator and denominator. Then, divide the numerator and denominator by their common prime factors. Repeat this process until there are no common prime factors left. The resulting fraction will be simplified to its simplest form.
How do you simplify fractions using the factor tree?
To simplify fractions, it is necessary to divide the numerator and the denominator by their GCF. You can find their GCF by comparing their prime factorizations. You can find their prime factorizations through the use of factor trees.
Can you add fractions using the LCD will you never have to simplify the answer?
Not true. Try 1/6 + 1/3
What can be used by using factor trees?
Factor trees are a way of notating the process of finding the prime factorization of a given number.
What types of problems can be solved using grest common factor?
Reducing fractions
What does cancel any common factors in fractions?
Simplification using the greatest common factor does.Simplification using the greatest common factor does.Simplification using the greatest common factor does.Simplification using the greatest common factor does.
Do you add or multiply when doing greatest common factor?
One place where this is used is to simplify fractions: you need to find the greatest common factor, then divide top and bottom by this greatest common factor.Also, in factoring expressions - you can take out the greatest common factor. For example (using "^" for power): 5x^2 + 10x has the greatest common factor 5x; so this can be taken out as a common factor, resulting in 5x(x + 2).
How is a mix number solved?
if its an equation then add the big numbers then add the fractions using like denominators afterwards simplify
How do you add fractions using the least common denomanator?
Ok. First you make sure the denominator (bottom number) is the same on all the fractions. The easiest way to do this is to multiply the denominators together, then multiply each numerator by the opposite fractions denominator. This is the easiest way to do this, you will simplify later. ONLY DO THIS IF THE DENOMINATORS ARE DIFFERENT. If they are the same just add the numerators together to get your fraction. Then simplify.
What is the prime factorization of 49 using factor trees?
49 7,7
How do you simplify fractions using identity property of multiplication?
ha aha ha ha ha ah hah hah hah hah FOOLS
What is a prime factorization of 44 using factor trees?
44 22,2 11,2,2
When you reduce fractions like 300 over 450 to 2 over 3 are you using GCF or LCM?
more similar to the highest common factor. The way I do them is to divide top and bottom by the same until I cannot see anything else to simplify. Of course each time you are dividing by a common factor, so it would be HCF if you did it all in one go
