The Easy Way to Simplify Fractions and Perform Operations
Learn how to easily simplify and operate with fractions in this quick guide.
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An easy way to do fractions is to simplify them first by dividing the numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD). When adding or subtracting, ensure the fractions have a common denominator, found by taking the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators. For multiplying, simply multiply the numerators and denominators together. When dividing, multiply by the reciprocal of the second fraction. Practice these steps to become more comfortable handling fractions efficiently.
FAQs & Answers
- What is the greatest common divisor (GCD)? The greatest common divisor (GCD) is the largest number that divides two or more integers without leaving a remainder. It's essential for simplifying fractions.
- How do I find the least common multiple (LCM)? The least common multiple (LCM) of two numbers is the smallest multiple that is evenly divisible by both numbers. It is used to find a common denominator when adding or subtracting fractions.
- What is the process for adding fractions? To add fractions, first ensure they have a common denominator, which can be found using the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators. Then, add the numerators while keeping the denominator the same.
- What steps do I follow to multiply fractions? To multiply fractions, simply multiply the numerators together and the denominators together. This will give you the new numerator and denominator of the resulting fraction.