GRE Math : How to simplify a fraction

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Math

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Example Questions

Example Question #1021 : Algebra

Simplify the following expression:

 

Possible Answers:


Correct answer:


Explanation:

Following this equation, you divide 4 by 8 to get 1/2. When a variable is raised to an exponent, and you are dividing, you subtract the exponents, so 6 – 3 = 3. 

Example Question #12 : How To Simplify A Fraction

Reduce the fraction:

 

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The numerator and denominator are both divisible by 12. Thus, we divide both by 12 to get our final answer.

If we instead divide by another common factor, we may need to complete the process again to make sure that we have completely reduced the fraction. 

In mathematical words we get the following:

Example Question #12 : How To Simplify A Fraction

Simplify. 

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

When we factor the numerator and denominator, we get:

 .

After cancelling , we are left with .

Example Question #41 : Algebraic Fractions

Which of the following fractions is between  and ?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

With common denominators, the range is from 

 

or 

.  

The only fraction that falls in either of these ranges is .

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