Cancellation Math Example 3
Follow the full solution, then compare it with the other examples linked below.
Example 3
easySimplify \(\dfrac{3 \times 5}{3 \times 7}\).
Solution
- 1 Notice that 3 is a common factor in both the numerator and denominator.
- 2 Cancel the common factor 3: \(\dfrac{\cancel{3} \times 5}{\cancel{3} \times 7} = \dfrac{5}{7}\).
- 3 Check that no common factor remains, so \(\dfrac{5}{7}\) is fully simplified.
Answer
\(\dfrac{5}{7}\)
The factor 3 appears in both numerator and denominator, so it cancels: \(\frac{ac}{bc} = \frac{a}{b}\).
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 →