Order of Operations in Fractions
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When working with fractions, it’s necessary to follow a specific order of operations to correctly simplify or solve any expression involving fractions. Let’s break it down step by step:
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- Parentheses ( ): Start by simplifying any expressions within parentheses first. This applies to both fractions and whole numbers.
- Exponents ^: Evaluate any exponentiation. If there are no exponents, move on to the next step.
- Multiplication and Division: Perform multiplication and division operations from left to right. Remember to convert mixed numbers to improper fractions when necessary.
Let’s illustrate the order of operations in fractions with an example:
Consider the expression:
4/5 + 2/3 * (7/8 - 1/2) / 3/4
We start by simplifying the expression within the parentheses first:
4/5 + 2/3 * (7/8 – 1/2) / 3/4
This allows us to simplify further:
4/5 + 2/3 * (7/8 – 4/8) / 3/4
After subtracting the fractions within the parentheses:
4/5 + 2/3 * (3/8) / 3/4
We can then evaluate the multiplication:
4/5 + (2/3 * 3/8) / 3/4
And now, following the division:
4/5 + (1/4)
Lastly, we can perform the addition:
4/5 + 1/4
To add these fractions with different denominators, we must first find the least common denominator (LCD), which is 20 in this case:
16/20 + 5/20 = 21/20
This means the final result of the expression is 21/20.
Understanding and applying the order of operations in fractions is essential for correctly solving complex fraction problems. Always remember to follow the sequence of parentheses, exponents, multiplication and division, and finally addition and subtraction. By using this method, you will ensure accurate results and avoid common calculation errors.
So the next time you encounter fractions in a mathematical expression, don’t forget about the order of operations in fractions. It will guide you through the correct steps to achieve the correct answer.
