Pre Algebra (Period 2 & 4)

Simplifying Fractions 4-4

Equivalent Fractions - Just multiply the numerator and the denominator by the same number and you will get an equivalent (equal) fraction to the one you started with.


GOLDEN RULE OF FRACTIONS = Do unto the numerator as you do unto the denominator


Simplifying fractions (your parents call this "reducing")

2 good ways:

(1) Just divide both the numerator and denominator by the GCF

(2) Another way: Rewrite the numerator and denominator in prime factorization form. Then simply cross out each common factor on the top and bottom
(they cross out because it's 1)

You'll be left with the simplified fraction every time!!!!
                                           


THE GCF METHOD:

One of the reasons we learn the GCF is because it's the FASTEST WAY TO SIMPLIFY FRACTIONS IN ONE STEP!!!

Just divide both the numerator and denominator by the GCF

THE PROBLEM WITH THE METHOD:
If you're not comfortable finding the GCF, you're pretty much sunk with this method! :(

THE BEST REASON TO USE THIS METHOD (other than it's a Calif. STAR Key Standard), it truly is the FASTEST :)

So imagine you have a "GCF Magical Voice" in your head...
The voice tells you the GCF of the numerator and the denominator...
You simply use that GCF to divide both the top and bottom of your fraction and you're done in one step!



THE PRIME FACTORIZATION METHOD:

This is sort of using the GCF "incognito" (in disguise)!

Rewrite the numerator and denominator in prime factorization form.

(Use a Factor Tree or Inverted Division to find the Prime Factorization if necessary).

Then simply cross out each common factor on the top and bottom.

(You're actually using the ID Property of Multiplication because 
each "crossout" is really a quotient of 1!)

You'll be left with the simplified fraction every time!!!!

If you actually multiplied together all your cross-outs, you'd get the GCF...
so you're using the GCF without even computing it!

THE PROBLEM WITH THIS METHOD:
You may think it's a lot of work


THE BEST REASON TO USE THIS METHOD: Although it takes time, everyone can do a Factor Tree or Inverted Division and create the Prime Factorization...
You'll never get the wrong answer with this one!



THE CROSS OUT METHOD:

You simply think of the first number that comes to your mind that "goz-into" both the numerator and the denominator and keep going until it's simplified.

If it's even, most people start with dividing it in half....and then in half again, etc.

This probably takes the longest, but in practice, most people use this method!

THE PROBLEM WITH THIS METHOD: You may think that a fraction is simplified, but you've missed a factor...this especially happens when the number is odd and you're always used to using 2 to divide the top and the bottom!

THE BEST REASON TO USE THIS METHOD: No one ever forgets how to do this method...it just comes naturally and there are no "precise" steps to do!
 
EXAMPLE: Simplify by each method:
36/
54
 
GCF METHOD:

The GCF is 18:

36 ÷ 18 = 2

54 ÷ 18 = 3



PRIME FACTORIZATION METHOD:

36 = 2 x 2 x 3 x 3

54 = 2 x 3 x 3 x 3

Two of the 3s cross out and one of the 2s

You are now left with:

2/
3

That's it!!!!!!!!!



CROSS OUT METHOD:
36 ÷ 2 = 18 ÷ 3 = 6 ÷ 3 = 2

54 ÷ 2 = 27 ÷ 3 = 9 ÷ 3 = 3


so 36/54 = 2/3
Do the same thing with variables!