Problem 58 - Basic College Mathematics

Question

Simplify. $$ \frac{98}{98} $$

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

1

Step 1: Understand the problem

The task is to simplify the fraction \(\frac{98}{98}\). Simplifying means reducing the fraction to its simplest form.

Step 2: Recognize the Basic Rule

Identify that any non-zero number divided by itself equals 1. Here, the fraction has the same numerator and denominator.

Step 3: Simplify the Fraction

Using the rule from Step 2, divide the numerator by the denominator: \(\frac{98}{98} = 1\).

Key Concepts

Basic Mathematics

Basic mathematics is the foundation of more complex math topics. Understanding basic concepts helps solve problems more easily. One of these basic concepts is simplifying fractions. Start by recognizing patterns like 'any number divided by itself equals 1'. This forms the basis for many simplifications.

Fractions

Fractions represent parts of a whole and consist of a numerator and denominator. Simplifying fractions involves reducing them to their simplest form, where the numerator and denominator have no common factors other than 1. For example, in \( \frac{98}{98} \), since both the numerator and denominator are the same, the fraction simplifies to 1.

Numerator and Denominator

In a fraction, the top number is called the numerator, and the bottom number is the denominator. The numerator represents how many parts you have, while the denominator shows how many parts make up a whole. Simplifying a fraction often involves finding the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the numerator and denominator. In \( \frac{98}{98} \), since 98 divided by 98 equals 1, the simplified fraction is \( 1 \).