Chapter 6: Problem 27
Reduce each fraction to simplest form. $$\frac{5 a}{9 a}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
\( \frac{5}{9} \)
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Common Factor
The given fraction is \( \frac{5a}{9a} \). Notice that both the numerator and the denominator have a common factor \( a \).
02
Cancel the Common Factor
Divide both the numerator and the denominator by the common factor \( a \). This simplifies the fraction to \( \frac{5}{9} \).
03
Verify that the Fraction is in Simplest Form
Since 5 and 9 have no common factors other than 1, \( \frac{5}{9} \) is already in its simplest form.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Fractions
Fractions are a fundamental part of algebra and mathematics in general. They represent a part of a whole. A fraction consists of two parts: the **numerator** and the **denominator**. Often, when we think about fractions, we imagine cutting a pizza into equal slices and taking some of those slices.
- The **numerator**, positioned at the top, tells us how many parts we have.
- The **denominator**, located at the bottom, tells us into how many equal parts the whole is divided.
Simplification
Simplifying a fraction means rewriting it in its simplest form. This involves ensuring that the numerator and the denominator have no common factors other than one.
Here is why simplification is important:
Here is why simplification is important:
- **Clarity and Simplicity:** Simplified fractions are easier to understand and compare.
- **Efficiency:** Simplified forms are simpler to work with when performing operations like addition, subtraction, and multiplication.
Common Factor
A common factor refers to a number or expression that evenly divides two or more numbers or expressions. For simplifying fractions, identifying a common factor is crucial.
- A **factor** of a number is an integer that can be multiplied by another integer to produce the original number.
- A **common factor** of two numbers is a factor that both numbers share.
Numerator and Denominator
Every fraction has two critical components: the **numerator** and the **denominator**. Understanding these terms can help you manipulate and simplify fractions effectively.
- The **numerator** is the top number of a fraction and represents how many parts of the whole you have.
- The **denominator** is the bottom number and signifies into how many parts the whole is divided.