To simplify a fraction by dividing both top and bottom by the same amount.
Example: 2/10 can be simplified to 1/5 by dividing both top and bottom by 2, in other words we "cancel by 2".
We can reduce (cancel) by any value, so long as both top and bottom of the fraction can be divided exactly by it (they must both end up as integers):
Example:
• 6/21 can be simplified to 2/7 by dividing both top and bottom by 3 ("cancel by 3").
• But 5/21 can not be simplified. Try dividing both top and bottom by 2, how does it work out? Also try 3, or 5.
In Algebra we can also "cancel" variables like this:
Example: 3xy/2x can be simplified to 3y/2 by dividing both top and bottom by x ("cancel x").
Also called "cancelling out"
Example: 2/10 can be simplified to 1/5 by dividing both top and bottom by 2, in other words we "cancel by 2".
We can reduce (cancel) by any value, so long as both top and bottom of the fraction can be divided exactly by it (they must both end up as integers):
Example:
• 6/21 can be simplified to 2/7 by dividing both top and bottom by 3 ("cancel by 3").
• But 5/21 can not be simplified. Try dividing both top and bottom by 2, how does it work out? Also try 3, or 5.
In Algebra we can also "cancel" variables like this:
Example: 3xy/2x can be simplified to 3y/2 by dividing both top and bottom by x ("cancel x").
Also called "cancelling out"
See: Simplify (fraction)
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