How do you cancel out fractions?

Answer 1

1. Step 1

   Copy the original problem down. Check to see if it is a multiplication or division problem.

2. Step 2

   Multiply by the inverse in a division problem. For instance, 3/4 divided by 1/2 would need to be changed to 3/4 times 2/1. Whenever you divide fractions, you always flip the second fraction and change the problem to multiplication.

3. Step 3

   Look at the numerators and denominators. Decide if there are any common factors, or numbers that you can evenly divide into both the numerator and denominator. For instance, in 3/4 times 2/1, the 2 and the 4 have a common factor of 2.

4. Step 4

   Divide the numerator and denominator you have chosen by the common factor. In the example, you will have 3/2 times 1/1. On your paper you will cross out the number you have and put the new number that you get when you divide by the common factor.

5. Step 5

   Multiply numerators together and multiply denominators together to get your answer. In this problem the answer is 3/2.

6. Step 6

   Reduce your answer or make it a mixed number if needed. In the example the answer would be 1 1/2. Proper canceling will make it so that you do not need to reduce your answer. However, you may need to make it into a mixed number.

7. Step 7

   Remember that you can cancel more than once. For example, if you are multiplying 25/32 times 24/30, you will get to cancel several times.

8. Step 8

   Start canceling by dividing the 32 and the 24 by 8. This will give you 25/4 times 3/30. Then divide the 25 and the 30 by 5, giving you 5/4 times 3/6.

9. Step 9

   Divide the 3 and 6 by 3. It does not matter that these digits are found in the same fraction. This will give you 5/4 times 1/2. You cannot cancel the 4 and the 2 because they are both denominators.

10. Step 10

    Multiply and reduce or simplify your answer. The answer is 5/8, which cannot be simplified.