Fractions contain two integers, an upper numerator and bottom denominator, that create a single value, and different fractions can represent the same value. When two fractions have different numerators and denominators but the same value, those fractions are termed equivalent. One way to transform a fraction into an equivalent one is to expand the fraction, which works by treating the numerator and denominator as separate numbers. Expanding a fraction is also a necessary step in finding a common or shared denominator for fractions being added or subtracted, and can simplify comparisons between fractions with unlike denominators.
Instructions
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1
Multiply the numerator by the expansion number. For this example, let the fraction be 2/3 and the expansion number be 3. Multiplying 2 by 3 equals 6.
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2
Multiply the denominator by the expansion number. In this example, multiplying 3 by 3 equals 9.
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3
Write the product of the numerator and the expansion number over the product of the denominator and the expansion number, creating the expanded fraction. Concluding this example, the product of 6 over the product 9 becomes the expanded fraction 6/9.