Problem 52 - Basic College Mathematics

Question

Simplify. $$ \frac{238}{1} $$

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

238

Step 1: Understand the Fraction

The given fraction is \(\frac{238}{1}\). When a number is divided by 1, it remains the same. This is because any number divided by 1 is itself.

Step 2: Simplify the Fraction

Since dividing by 1 does not change the number, the fraction \(\frac{238}{1}\) simplifies directly to 238.

Key Concepts

Fractions

Fractions represent parts of a whole. They consist of two numbers: the numerator (top) and the denominator (bottom). For example, in the fraction \(\frac{3}{4}\), 3 is the numerator, and 4 is the denominator. Fractions are used to express quantities that are not whole numbers. They help in dividing things into smaller, equal parts. Understanding fractions is essential in mathematics as they often appear in various calculations.

Division

Division is one of the four basic operations in arithmetic, alongside addition, subtraction, and multiplication. It involves splitting a number into equal parts. For example, dividing 10 by 2 means we are splitting 10 into 2 equal groups, which results in 5. In the context of fractions, the division operation is crucial. In the given exercise, \(\frac{238}{1}\), the division tells us that when 238 is divided by 1, it remains the same, because any number divided by 1 is the number itself. This principle simplifies fractions where the denominator is 1.

Numerator and Denominator

The numerator and denominator are key parts of any fraction. The numerator is the top number and indicates how many parts we have. The denominator is the bottom number and shows how many parts make up a whole. For example, in the fraction \(\frac{3}{4}\), 3 is the numerator, telling us we have 3 parts, and 4 is the denominator, showing that 4 parts make a whole. Comprehending the roles of numerator and denominator is crucial. In the given problem, \(\frac{238}{1}\), 238 is the numerator, meaning we have 238 parts, and 1 is the denominator. This implies that all 238 parts make up one whole. Therefore, the fraction simplifies directly to 238.