Simplifying Fractions: 3/-3
Fractions can be a bit tricky to work with, especially when dealing with negative numbers. In this article, we'll explore how to simplify the fraction 3/-3.
What does 3/-3 mean?
Before we dive into simplifying the fraction, let's take a closer look at what 3/-3 actually means. In essence, 3/-3 is a fraction that represents three thirds of a negative whole.
Simplifying the Fraction
To simplify a fraction, we need to find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of both the numerator (3) and the denominator (-3). The GCD of 3 and -3 is 3.
Now, we can divide both the numerator and the denominator by the GCD:
3 ÷ 3 = 1 -3 ÷ 3 = -1
So, the simplified form of the fraction 3/-3 is:
1/-1
What does 1/-1 mean?
Now that we have simplified the fraction, let's take a closer look at what 1/-1 actually represents. In essence, 1/-1 is equivalent to -1.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the simplified form of the fraction 3/-3 is -1. By finding the greatest common divisor of both the numerator and the denominator, we were able to simplify the fraction and arrive at a more manageable form.