Asked by AJ

Can 89/13 151/11 or 223/23 be simplified?
I think none of the 3 can be simplified




Answered by drwls
You are correct. None can be simplified.
Answered by Ms. Sue
They can all be simplified because their numerators are larger than their denominators. For example:

89/13 = 6 12/13

Check this site for more information.

http://www.helpwithfractions.com/simplifying-fractions.html

We'll be glad to check your answers for the other two improper fractions.
Answered by AJ
Ok I am confused I got two different answers on this.
Answered by Ms. Sue
I think we've stumbled over a difference of terminology. We usually think of simplifying fractions as simplifying proper fractions like 2/4 = 1/2. However, some texts and teachers also use the word "simplify" to mean changing an improper fraction to a mixed fraction, as I showed you.

Please check your math book or ask your teacher.
Answered by Writeacher
DrWLS has said that they cannot be simplified because all three of the denominators are prime numbers.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prime_number

Ms. Sue is telling you how to turn each improper fraction into a mixed number, that is, dividing the numerator by the denominator so that you no longer have an improper fraction. But still, even after turning each one into a (proper) mixed number, the denominators of the fractions are the same as in the original numbers.

89/13 = 6 12/13
151/11 = 15 8/11
223/23 = 9 16/23

The fractions cannot be simplified.
Answered by drwls
By "simplified" I meant that the fractions do not have a common factor for numerator and denominator, and cannot be "reduced" to a smaler denominator. I expect that is also what YOU meant. They can of course be turned into mixed numbers, which is what MsSue is talking about. When this is done, the denominator must stay the same.
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