Simplifying Fractions Through Factoring and Division

This lesson by Kirk Weiler focuses on simplifying fractions, a fundamental math skill. It begins with a review of basic fraction simplification and introduces a new perspective on the process. The lesson includes exercises that demonstrate how to simplify fractions using the greatest common divisor and connects these concepts to exponent rules. The video also covers simplifying expressions with variables and exponents, emphasizing the importance of understanding the underlying principles. The lesson concludes with a summary of key takeaways and a preview of future topics.

What is the first step in the traditional method of simplifying fractions?

• Finding the greatest common divisor

• Subtracting the numerator from the denominator

• Multiplying the numerator and denominator

• Adding the numerator and denominator

What does a fraction represent in mathematical terms?

• Addition

• Subtraction

• Division

• Multiplication

What is the result of any fraction where the numerator and denominator are the same?

• The numerator

• Zero

• The denominator

• One

How can you rewrite the fraction 12/20 using the greatest common divisor?

• 3/5

• 4/5

• 6/10

• 2/5

What is the simplified form of the fraction 6/21?

• 1/3

• 3/7

• 2/7

• 2/3

What is the greatest common divisor of 30 and 18?

• 12

• 9

• 6

• 3

What is the simplified form of the fraction 32/40?

• 4/5

• 1/5

• 3/5

• 2/5

What is the result of 2^5 divided by 2^2?

• 2^2

• 2^1

• 2^7

• 2^3

When dividing two expressions with the same base, what do you do with the exponents?

• Add them

• Subtract them

• Multiply them

• Divide them

What is the simplified form of x^8 / x^2?

• x^1

• x^2

• x^4

• x^6