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By factoring the numerator and denominator in a fraction, you can then divide common multiples out and reduce the fraction to the simplest terms. Perhaps an example might be of help.

If we have 66/99, we can see that 66 = 2 x 3 x 11, and 99 = 3 x 3 x 11. We can divide the 3 and the 11 out of both the numerator and denominator, and have 2/3 as the answer. The 66/99 = 2/3. Factoring the numerator and denominator allow us to see what we can divide out to reduce the fraction.

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Q: When simplifying a rational fraction why do you need to factor the numerator and the denominator?
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Related questions

What is the result of dividing the numerator by the denominator?

You will get a rational fraction.


Which fraction are equal to 1?

Anything where the numerator and the denominator are the same value.


When can you simplify a fraction or a rational algebraic expression?

When the denominator is a factor of the numerator. If there is 2x in the numerator and denominator these terms cancel.


How can a rational number be positive?

A rational number is simply a number that can be expressed as a fraction, with integer numerator and denominator. Such a number can be positive, negative, or zero.A rational number is simply a number that can be expressed as a fraction, with integer numerator and denominator. Such a number can be positive, negative, or zero.A rational number is simply a number that can be expressed as a fraction, with integer numerator and denominator. Such a number can be positive, negative, or zero.A rational number is simply a number that can be expressed as a fraction, with integer numerator and denominator. Such a number can be positive, negative, or zero.


What are algebraic fractions whose numerator and denominator are polynomials?

A rational fraction.


What rational number with a numerator that is less than the denominator?

A proper fraction.


What is A rational number that shows the numerator greater than the denominator?

an improper fraction


What is a fraction called that has the numerator or denominator or both?

Proper fraction - A proper fraction is a fraction where the numerator (the top number) is less that the denominator (the bottom number). Proportion - An equation stating that two ratios are equivalent is called a proportion.


What are the 4 fundamental operationa of fraction?

It has a numerator at the top It has a denominator at the bottom It has a solidus line that separates the numerator from the denominator It is a rational number It can be a proper fraction It can be an improper fraction It can have an equivalent fraction It can be converted into a percentage It can be converted into a decimal


What are the similarities of fraction and rational?

All fractions with integer numerator and non-zero integer denominator are rational, and conversely.


What fraction having rational expression in its numerator or denominator or both?

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Why is 4.323223222 an irrational number if you can predict what comes next?

Being rational or irrational is not about "predicting the next digit"; the definition of a rational number is that you can write it as a fraction, with integer numerator and denominator.Being rational or irrational is not about "predicting the next digit"; the definition of a rational number is that you can write it as a fraction, with integer numerator and denominator.Being rational or irrational is not about "predicting the next digit"; the definition of a rational number is that you can write it as a fraction, with integer numerator and denominator.Being rational or irrational is not about "predicting the next digit"; the definition of a rational number is that you can write it as a fraction, with integer numerator and denominator.