Simplification of Fractions

Still now we have learnt about addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of fractions separately and have also discussed about the properties of each of them separately. However, now we move onto simplification of fraction. What does it mean?

The basic four operations that is addition, subtraction, multiplication or division are present in a single sum and hence we will have to carry out all the four operations together one by one. For doing so we have to remember ‘BODMAS

What does ‘BODMAS’ stands for?     

B = Brackets

O = Of

D = Division

M= Multiplication

A = Addition

S = Subtraction

We will carry out the task of simplification in this order. 

However, there are three types of brackets:

()= first bracket

{} = second bracket

[]= third bracket

The rule is that anything in the bracket should be simplified first and in accordance with the brackets. The operation of first bracket should be done first then followed by second and third bracket.


Here are few examples showing simplification of fractions:

1. (21/3 + 52/3) × (6/7  ÷  12/14)

= (7/3 + 17/3) × (6/7  × 14/12)

= ((7+17)/3) × ((6 ×14)/(7 ×12))

= 24/3 × 84/84

= 8 × 1 

= 8


Explanation:

Here in this sum the operations in the brackets are carried out first according to the rule of ‘BODMAS’. Hence the addition and division in the first bracket have been carried out first and then both the answers of addition and division is multiplied. The answer from division is 1. And we know according to the properties of multiplication that if any fraction/ number  is multiplied by 1 then the result is the fraction/ number itself. 

80 – 17/2 × 2 + 13 ÷ 13/7

= 80 – 17/2 × 2+ 13 ÷ 13/7

= 80 – 17/2 × 2 + 13 × 7/13

= 80 – 17/2 × 2 + 7

= 80 – 17 + 7

= 80 + 7 – 17 

=87 – 17 

= 70

Explanation:

The sum is done following the rule of ‘BODMAS’. Four basic operations that is addition, subtraction, multiplication and division all are involved in this sum. According to ‘BODMAS’ 

First division is carried out then multiplication and then followed by subtraction and addition.

If we do not follow this sequence and carry out the operation according to the sequence in which the sum is given then we will get the answer wrong.


3. 12 7/8 + 6 2/3 × 24/16

= 103/8 + 20/3 × 24/16

= 103/8 + (20 ×24)/(3 ×16)

= 103/8 +  480/48

= (103 ×6+480 ×1)/48

= 1098/48

= (1098 ÷6)/(48 ÷6)

= 183/8

= 22 7/8


Explanation:

The sum is done following the rule of ‘BODMAS’. The basic operation that is addition and multiplication is involved in this sum. According to ‘BODMAS’ rule first multiplication is done and then addition is carried out. After multiplying the answer is first expressed in lowest terms and then into mixed fraction as it was an improper fraction.

You might like these






From Simplification of Fractions  to HOME PAGE

New! Comments

Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.


Recent Articles

  1. Definition of Respiratory Quotient | calculation | Application | Plant

    Dec 02, 24 12:09 AM

    Definition of respiration quotient- the ratio of the carbon-dioxide evolved to that of the oxygen consumed by a cell, tissue, plants or animals in a given time is called respiratory quotient. It is us…

    Read More

  2. Amphibolic Pathway | Definition | Examples | Pentose Phosphate Pathway

    Jun 06, 24 10:40 AM

    Amphibolic Pathway
    Definition of amphibolic pathway- Amphibolic pathway is a biochemical pathway where anabolism and catabolism are both combined together. Examples of amphibolic pathway- there are different biochemical…

    Read More

  3. Respiratory Balance Sheet | TCA Cycle | ATP Consumption Process

    Feb 18, 24 01:56 PM

    ATP Synthase in Mitochondria
    The major component that produced during the photosynthesis is Glucose which is further metabolised by the different metabolic pathways like glycolysis, Krebs cycle, TCA cycle and produces energy whic…

    Read More

  4. Electron Transport System and Oxidative Phosphorylation | ETC |Diagram

    Feb 04, 24 01:57 PM

    Electron Transport Chains
    It is also called ETC. Electron transfer means the process where one electron relocates from one atom to the other atom. Definition of electron transport chain - The biological process where a chains…

    Read More

  5. Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle | Krebs Cycle | Steps | End Products |Diagram

    Jan 28, 24 12:39 PM

    Aerobic Respiration
    This is a type of process which execute in a cyclical form and final common pathway for oxidation of Carbohydrates fat protein through which acetyl coenzyme a or acetyl CoA is completely oxidised to c…

    Read More