Common Factors in Numerators

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 52 views

Introduction

In mathematics, simplifying complex fractions is an essential skill that helps us solve problems efficiently. A complex fraction is a fraction that contains one or more fractions in its numerator or denominator. In this article, we will focus on simplifying a specific complex fraction: $\frac{3}{5} \times \frac{10}{12} \times \frac{1}{2}$ . We will break down the steps involved in simplifying this expression and provide a clear explanation of each step.

Understanding the Problem

The given expression is a product of three fractions: $\frac{3}{5}$ , $\frac{10}{12}$ , and $\frac{1}{2}$ . To simplify this expression, we need to multiply these fractions together. However, before we do that, let's take a closer look at each fraction and identify any common factors that can be canceled out.

Step 1: Identify Common Factors

The first fraction is $\frac{3}{5}$ . The second fraction is $\frac{10}{12}$ . The third fraction is $\frac{1}{2}$ . To simplify the expression, we need to identify any common factors between the numerators and denominators of these fractions.

Common Factors in Numerators

The numerators of the fractions are 3, 10, and 1. We can see that there are no common factors between these numbers.

Common Factors in Denominators

The denominators of the fractions are 5, 12, and 2. We can see that the number 2 is a common factor between the denominators of the second and third fractions.

Step 2: Cancel Out Common Factors

Now that we have identified the common factors, we can cancel them out. The common factor of 2 in the denominators of the second and third fractions can be canceled out.

Simplified Expression

After canceling out the common factor of 2, the expression becomes:

$\frac{3}{5} \times \frac{10}{12} \times \frac{1}{1}$

Step 3: Multiply Numerators and Denominators

Now that we have simplified the expression, we can multiply the numerators and denominators together.

Multiplying Numerators

The numerators of the fractions are 3, 10, and 1. Multiplying these numbers together gives us:

$3 \times 10 \times 1 = 30$

Multiplying Denominators

The denominators of the fractions are 5, 12, and 1. Multiplying these numbers together gives us:

$5 \times 12 \times 1 = 60$

Simplified Expression

After multiplying the numerators and denominators together, the expression becomes:

$\frac{30}{60}$

Step 4: Simplify the Fraction

The fraction $\frac{30}{60}$ can be simplified by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD). The GCD of 30 and 60 is 30.

Simplified Fraction

After dividing both the numerator and denominator by 30, the fraction becomes:

$\frac{1}{2}$

Conclusion

In this article, we have simplified the complex fraction $\frac{3}{5} \times \frac{10}{12} \times \frac{1}{2}$ by identifying common factors, canceling them out, multiplying the numerators and denominators together, and simplifying the resulting fraction. The final answer is $\frac{1}{2}$ .

Answer Options

The answer options are:

A. $\frac{1}{2}$ B. $\frac{1}{4}$ C. $\frac{2}{3}$ D. $\frac{1}{3}$

The correct answer is A. $\frac{1}{2}$ .

Final Answer

$The final answer is $\boxed{\frac{1}{2}}$.<br/> **Simplifying Complex Fractions: A Q&A Guide**$

Introduction

In our previous article, we simplified the complex fraction $\frac{3}{5} \times \frac{10}{12} \times \frac{1}{2}$ by identifying common factors, canceling them out, multiplying the numerators and denominators together, and simplifying the resulting fraction. In this article, we will provide a Q&A guide to help you understand the concept of simplifying complex fractions better.

Q: What is a complex fraction?

A: A complex fraction is a fraction that contains one or more fractions in its numerator or denominator.

Q: How do I simplify a complex fraction?

A: To simplify a complex fraction, you need to follow these steps:

Identify common factors between the numerators and denominators of the fractions.
Cancel out the common factors.
Multiply the numerators and denominators together.
Simplify the resulting fraction.

Q: What are common factors?

A: Common factors are numbers that appear in both the numerator and denominator of a fraction.

Q: How do I find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of two numbers?

A: To find the GCD of two numbers, you can use the following methods:

List the factors of each number and find the greatest common factor.
Use the Euclidean algorithm to find the GCD.
Use a calculator or online tool to find the GCD.

Q: What is the Euclidean algorithm?

A: The Euclidean algorithm is a method for finding the greatest common divisor (GCD) of two numbers. It involves repeatedly dividing the larger number by the smaller number and taking the remainder until the remainder is zero.

Q: How do I multiply fractions?

A: To multiply fractions, you need to multiply the numerators together and multiply the denominators together.

Q: What is the difference between multiplying and dividing fractions?

A: When multiplying fractions, you multiply the numerators together and multiply the denominators together. When dividing fractions, you invert the second fraction (i.e., flip the numerator and denominator) and multiply.

Q: Can I simplify a fraction by canceling out common factors in the numerator and denominator?

A: Yes, you can simplify a fraction by canceling out common factors in the numerator and denominator.

Q: What is the final answer to the complex fraction $\frac{3}{5} \times \frac{10}{12} \times \frac{1}{2}$ ?

A: The final answer to the complex fraction $\frac{3}{5} \times \frac{10}{12} \times \frac{1}{2}$ is $\frac{1}{2}$ .

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when simplifying complex fractions?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when simplifying complex fractions include:

Not canceling out common factors.
Not multiplying the numerators and denominators together correctly.
Not simplifying the resulting fraction.

Conclusion

In this article, we have provided a Q&A guide to help you understand the concept of simplifying complex fractions better. We have covered topics such as common factors, greatest common divisor (GCD), multiplying and dividing fractions, and common mistakes to avoid. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can simplify complex fractions with ease.

Final Answer

The final answer is $\boxed{\frac{1}{2}}$ .