Table of contents

0. Review of Algebra4h 18m
1. Equations & Inequalities3h 18m
2. Graphs of Equations43m
3. Functions2h 17m
4. Polynomial Functions1h 44m
5. Rational Functions1h 23m
6. Exponential & Logarithmic Functions2h 28m
7. Systems of Equations & Matrices4h 6m
8. Conic Sections2h 23m
9. Sequences, Series, & Induction1h 22m
10. Combinatorics & Probability1h 45m

0. Review of Algebra

Exponents

College Algebra

0. Review of Algebra

Exponents

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1:10 minutes

Problem 10

Textbook Question

Write each fraction in lowest terms. 16/20

Verified step by step guidance

Identify the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the numerator and the denominator. In this case, find the GCD of 16 and 20.

Divide both the numerator and the denominator by their GCD.

Rewrite the fraction using the results from the division.

Check if the new fraction can be simplified further by finding any common factors.

If no further simplification is possible, the fraction is now in its lowest terms.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Lowest Terms

A fraction is in lowest terms when the numerator and denominator have no common factors other than 1. This means that the fraction cannot be simplified further. To express a fraction in lowest terms, you divide both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD).

Greatest Common Divisor (GCD)

The greatest common divisor is the largest positive integer that divides two or more integers without leaving a remainder. Finding the GCD is essential for simplifying fractions, as it helps identify the common factors between the numerator and denominator. Methods to find the GCD include listing factors, using the Euclidean algorithm, or prime factorization.

Simplifying Fractions

Simplifying fractions involves reducing them to their lowest terms by eliminating common factors. This process makes fractions easier to work with and understand. For example, the fraction 16/20 can be simplified by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD, which is 4, resulting in the simplified fraction 4/5.