Example

Simplifying (12)24+32\frac{\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^2}{4 + 3^2}

Simplify the complex fraction:

(12)24+32\frac{\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^2}{4 + 3^2}

Step 1 — Simplify the numerator: The expression (12)2\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^2 means 1212\frac{1}{2} \cdot \frac{1}{2}. Multiply numerators and denominators: 1122=14\frac{1 \cdot 1}{2 \cdot 2} = \frac{1}{4}.

Step 2 — Simplify the denominator: Evaluate the exponent first: 32=93^2 = 9. Then add: 4+9=134 + 9 = 13.

Step 3 — Divide the numerator by the denominator: The complex fraction becomes 14÷13\frac{1}{4} \div 13. Since 13=13113 = \frac{13}{1}, rewrite as 14113=152\frac{1}{4} \cdot \frac{1}{13} = \frac{1}{52}.

The final result is 152\frac{1}{52}. This example shows that when the numerator and denominator each involve operations (an exponent in the numerator, addition and an exponent in the denominator), those operations must be fully resolved before performing the final division.

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Updated 2026-04-21

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