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Simplifying an Expression with a Fraction Bar
When an expression is written as a fraction and the numerator or denominator (or both) contain operations — such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, or exponents — the fraction bar functions as a grouping symbol. It signals that the expressions on top and on bottom must each be fully simplified before the overall fraction is evaluated. Follow a two-step process:
- Simplify the numerator and the denominator separately. Apply the order of operations to reduce each part to a single number or simplest form.
- Simplify the resulting fraction. Once the numerator and denominator are each a single value, divide and reduce the fraction to lowest terms if possible.
For example, to simplify : first compute the numerator and the denominator , then simplify . The key insight is that the fraction bar groups the entire numerator expression and the entire denominator expression, just as parentheses would — all operations above and below the bar must be completed before dividing.
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