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If the subexpressions are not identical, then it may still be possible to cancel them out partly. For example, in the simple equation 3 + 2y = 8y, both sides actually contain 2y (because 8y is the same as 2y + 6y). Therefore, the 2y on both sides can be cancelled out, leaving 3 = 6y, or y = 0.5. This is equivalent to subtracting 2y from both sides.
The first step is to determine a common denominator D of these fractions – preferably the least common denominator, which is the least common multiple of the Q i. This means that each Q i is a factor of D , so D = R i Q i for some expression R i that is not a fraction.
We can reduce the fractions to lowest terms by noting that the two occurrences of b on the left-hand side cancel, as do the two occurrences of d on the right-hand side, leaving =, and we can divide both sides of the equation by any of the elements—in this case we will use d —getting =.
To begin solving, we multiply each side of the equation by the least common denominator of all the fractions contained in the equation. In this case, the least common denominator is () (+). After performing these operations, the fractions are eliminated, and the equation becomes:
Common fractions can be positive or negative, and they can be proper or improper (see below). Compound fractions, complex fractions, mixed numerals, and decimals (see below) are not common fractions; though, unless irrational, they can be evaluated to a common fraction. A unit fraction is a common fraction with a numerator of 1 (e.g., 1 / 7
A common example in physics is the fact that multiplying speed by time gives distance. For example: 50 kilometers per hour × 3 hours = 150 kilometers. In this case, the hour units cancel out, leaving the product with only kilometer units. Other examples of multiplication involving units include: 2.5 meters × 4.5 meters = 11.25 square meters
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By the commutative law, the middle two terms cancel: = leaving (+) = The resulting identity is one of the most commonly used in mathematics. Among many uses, it gives a simple proof of the AM–GM inequality in two variables. The proof holds in any commutative ring.