When we multiply algebraic fractions, we try to reduce or cancel down any top term with a bottom term that has a common factor.
Example
Simplify:
| a3 | x | 5 |
| 10 | 7a2 |
Answer
We look for any top term which has a common factor with any bottom term.
If we find such a pair of terms, we divide them by their common factor.
| a3 | x | 5 |
| 10 | 7a2 |
| = | a3 ÷ a2 | x | 5 |
| 10 | 7a2 ÷ a2 |
| = | a | x | 5 |
| 10 | 7 |
| = | a | x | 5 ÷ 5 |
| 10 ÷ 5 | 7 |
| = | a | x | 1 |
| 2 | 7 |
| = | a |
| 14 |
Let's try some questions now.
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