Fractions (mathematics) | Elementary arithmetic

Irreducible fraction

An irreducible fraction (or fraction in lowest terms, simplest form or reduced fraction) is a fraction in which the numerator and denominator are integers that have no other common divisors than 1 (and โˆ’1, when negative numbers are considered). In other words, a fraction a/b is irreducible if and only if a and b are coprime, that is, if a and b have a greatest common divisor of 1. In higher mathematics, "irreducible fraction" may also refer to rational fractions such that the numerator and the denominator are coprime polynomials. Every positive rational number can be represented as an irreducible fraction in exactly one way. An equivalent definition is sometimes useful: if a and b are integers, then the fraction a/b is irreducible if and only if there is no other equal fraction c/d such that |c| < |a| or |d| < |b|, where |a| means the absolute value of a. (Two fractions a/b and c/d are equal or equivalent if and only if ad = bc.) For example, 1/4, 5/6, and โˆ’101/100 are all irreducible fractions. On the other hand, 2/4 is reducible since it is equal in value to 1/2, and the numerator of 1/2 is less than the numerator of 2/4. A fraction that is reducible can be reduced by dividing both the numerator and denominator by a common factor. It can be fully reduced to lowest terms if both are divided by their greatest common divisor. In order to find the greatest common divisor, the Euclidean algorithm or prime factorization can be used. The Euclidean algorithm is commonly preferred because it allows one to reduce fractions with numerators and denominators too large to be easily factored. (Wikipedia).

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From playlist Integration by Partial Fractions, Calculus 2

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From playlist How to Simplify Complex Fractions | Learn About

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From playlist How to Simplify Complex Fractions | Learn About

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From playlist How to Simplify Complex Fractions | Learn About

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๐Ÿ‘‰ Learn how to simplify a complex fraction. A complex fraction is a fraction with another fraction or fractions in the numerator and/or in the denominator. To simplify a complex fraction is to reduce the fraction in such a way as there is only one numerator and denominator. In doing that,

From playlist How to Simplify Complex Fractions | Learn About

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๐Ÿ‘‰ Learn how to simplify a complex fraction. A complex fraction is a fraction with another fraction or fractions in the numerator and/or in the denominator. To simplify a complex fraction is to reduce the fraction in such a way as there is only one numerator and denominator. In doing that,

From playlist How to Simplify Complex Fractions | Learn About

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From playlist How to Simplify Complex Fractions | Learn About

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From playlist Simplifying Fractions

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From playlist Abstract Algebra

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Related pages

Field of fractions | Square root of 2 | Anomalous cancellation | Absolute value | Diophantine approximation | Euclidean algorithm | Greatest common divisor | If and only if | Mathematics | Integer | Fundamental theorem of arithmetic | Monic polynomial | Rational number | Unique factorization domain | Divisor | Proof by contradiction