Cancellation Math Example 2
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Example 2
mediumSimplify the fraction \(\dfrac{18}{24}\) using cancellation (find the GCF first).
Solution
- 1 Find the GCF of 18 and 24: factors of 18 are 1,2,3,6,9,18; factors of 24 are 1,2,3,4,6,8,12,24. GCF = 6.
- 2 Write: \(\dfrac{18}{24} = \dfrac{6 \times 3}{6 \times 4}\).
- 3 Cancel the 6: \(\dfrac{\cancel{6} \times 3}{\cancel{6} \times 4} = \dfrac{3}{4}\).
- 4 Simplified: \(\dfrac{3}{4}\).
Answer
\(\dfrac{3}{4}\)
Dividing numerator and denominator by their GCF (6) simplifies the fraction: \(\frac{18}{24} = \frac{3}{4}\).
About Cancellation
Cancellation is the process of removing a common factor from the numerator and denominator of a fraction, or from both sides of an equation, to simplify. It works because dividing both parts by the same nonzero number leaves an equivalent but simpler form.
Learn more about Cancellation →