SIMPLIFYING FRACTIONS MADE EASY - LUCID EXPLANATION OF FRACTION PROBLEMS OF SIMPLIFICATION

Please study
Fractions before simplifying Fractions
if you have not already done so.

There we studied about half, quarter, three fourth with examples and exercises.

Learn/Teach
Fractions through Fun Games.
For details, see near
the bottom of this page.

Also study Fractions Made Easy.

There we studied about concept of fraction in general with examples and exercises.

The knowledge of

Conversion of Improper to Mixed and Mixed to Improper Fractions

and

Least Common Multiple (L.C.M.)

is also used here.

To learn how to simplify a single fraction go to

Equivalent Fractions.





Here we see how to simplify a numerical expression involving fractions.

A combination of fractions connected by one or more of the symbols +, -, x, ÷ and 'of', is called a numerical expression with fractions.

Each of these symbols represent an operation.

Performing these operations and getting the value of the expression of fractions is known as simplifying the expression of fractions.

BODMAS rule in simplifying fractions

For simplifying an expression, we must perform these operations strictly in the following order : (i) Brackets (ii) Of (iii) Division (iv) Multiplication (v) Addition (vi) Subtraction. To remember the order, remember the word 'BODMAS' which is formed by the first letters of the operations in an order.

Remember this as the 'BODMAS' rule which says
the order of priority of operations as :

• Brackets
• Of
• Division
• Multiplication
• Addition
• Subtraction.

Solved Example of Simplifying Fractions

Simplify
4  ⁵⁄₆ + 2⁄3 ÷ 3⁄4 of 2⁄9 - 1⁄2 x 2  ³⁄₄ ÷ 3  ⁷⁄₉ of (4  ⁷⁄₁₇ - 3  ¹⁄₂)


Solution :
The given expression
= 4  ⁵⁄₆ + 2⁄3 ÷ 3⁄4 of 2⁄9 - 1⁄2 x 2  ³⁄₄ ÷ 3  ⁷⁄₉ of (4  ⁵⁄₁₇ - 3  ¹⁄₂)

First, let us convert mixed fractions to improper fractions

= 29⁄6 + 2⁄3 ÷ 3⁄4 of 2⁄9 - 1⁄2 x 11⁄4 ÷ 34⁄9 of (73⁄17 - 7⁄2)

Now, let us remove Brackets (B in BODMAS)

= 29⁄6 + 2⁄3 ÷ 3⁄4 of 2⁄9 - 1⁄2 x 11⁄4 ÷ 34⁄9 of (2 x 73 - 7 x 17)⁄34
= 29⁄6 + 2⁄3 ÷ 3⁄4 of 2⁄9 - 1⁄2 x 11⁄4 ÷ 34⁄9 of 27⁄34

Now, let us evaluate 'of' (O in BODMAS)

= 29⁄6 + 2⁄3 ÷ 1⁄6 - 1⁄2 x 11⁄4 ÷ 3

Now, let us evaluate Division (D in BODMAS)

= 29⁄6 + 2⁄3 x 6⁄1 - 1⁄2 x 11⁄4 x 1⁄3
= 29⁄6 + 4⁄1 - 1⁄2 x 11⁄12

Now, let us evaluate Multiplication (M in BODMAS)

= 29⁄6 + 4⁄1 - 11⁄24

Now, let us evaluate Addition (A in BODMAS)

= ( 29 x 1 + 4 x 6)⁄6 - 11⁄24
= 53⁄6 - 11⁄24

Now, let us evaluate Subtraction (S in BODMAS)

= ( 53 x 4 - 11 x 1)⁄24 = 201⁄24 = 67⁄8 = 8  ³⁄₈. Ans.

Learning/Teaching Math Can Be Fun

Here is a collection of kids math
games and fun math activities for
the class room or for the home, to
make math exciting and easy to learn.

They help you

* To save you time and money to be
spent on resources, games and books.

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or parent who knows how to make math
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learning styles.

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This Collection of Fun Math Games
are electronic books (e-books)
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only what you want and as many
copies as you need.

For more information or to have
some FREE samples or to order
click HERE.

Problem for practice on Simplifying Fractions

Simplify
7  ¹⁄₂ + 1⁄2 ÷ 1⁄2 of 1⁄4 - 2⁄5 x 2  ¹⁄₃ ÷ 1  ⁷⁄₈ of (1  ²⁄₅ - 1  ¹⁄₃)

For Answer, see at the bottom of the page.

Answer to Problem for practice on Simplifying Fractions

4  ¹⁄₃₀