Chapter 4: Problem 36
Simplify the expression. $$\left(\frac{1}{4}\right)\left(\frac{1}{6}\right)+\left(-\frac{5}{6}\right)^{2}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The simplified expression is \( \frac{53}{72} \).
Step by step solution
01
Multiply Fractions
The first part of the expression is \( \left(\frac{1}{4}\right)\left(\frac{1}{6}\right) \). To multiply fractions, multiply the numerators and then the denominators.\[ \frac{1 \times 1}{4 \times 6} = \frac{1}{24} \]
02
Square the Negative Fraction
The next part is \( \left(-\frac{5}{6}\right)^{2} \). When squaring a fraction, square both the numerator and the denominator. Remember, \((-a)^2 = a^2\). \[ \left(\frac{-5}{6}\right)^2 = \frac{(-5)^2}{6^2} = \frac{25}{36} \]
03
Add the Results
Now, add the results from steps 1 and 2. To add fractions \( \frac{1}{24} + \frac{25}{36} \), we must find a common denominator. The least common multiple of 24 and 36 is 72. Convert each fraction to have a denominator of 72. \[ \frac{1}{24} = \frac{3}{72} \quad (by \ multiply \ numerator \ and \ denominator \ by \ 3)\] \[ \frac{25}{36} = \frac{50}{72} \quad (by \ multiply \ numerator \ and \ denominator \ by \ 2) \] Add the two fractions: \[ \frac{3}{72} + \frac{50}{72} = \frac{53}{72} \]
04
Verify Simplicity
Check if \( \frac{53}{72} \) can be simplified further by finding the greatest common divisor (GCD) of 53 and 72. Since 53 is a prime number and does not divide 72, the fraction 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.
Multiplying Fractions
Multiplying fractions is a straightforward process once you understand the rule of multiplying the numerators together and the denominators together. Let’s break it down with a simple example.
- Start by looking at the fractions you want to multiply: \( \frac{1}{4} \) and \( \frac{1}{6} \).
- Multiply the top numbers (numerators):
\( 1 \times 1 = 1 \). - Next, multiply the bottom numbers (denominators):
\( 4 \times 6 = 24 \). - This gives you the fraction \( \frac{1}{24} \).
Squaring Fractions
Squaring a fraction might sound tricky, but it’s actually as simple as multiplying it by itself. Here's how it works in detail:
- Take your fraction, for example, \( \left(-\frac{5}{6}\right) \).
- Square the numerator:
\((-5)^2 = 25\). Don’t forget that squaring a negative results in a positive number. - Then square the denominator:
\(6^2 = 36\). - Place the results into a fraction:
\( \frac{25}{36} \).
Adding Fractions
Adding fractions comes with the unique challenge of finding a common denominator. Here’s how you can tackle it step by step:
- Look at the fractions you need to add: \( \frac{1}{24} \) and \( \frac{25}{36} \).
- Find the least common denominator that both fractions can share. For 24 and 36, it’s 72.
- Convert each fraction to this new denominator:
\( \frac{1}{24} = \frac{3}{72} \) by multiplying both the numerator and the denominator by 3.
\( \frac{25}{36} = \frac{50}{72} \) by multiplying both the numerator and the denominator by 2. - Now, add the fractions:
\( \frac{3}{72} + \frac{50}{72} = \frac{53}{72} \).