Nested fractions

The  exercise appears under the Algebra I Math Mission. This exercise works with nested or complex fractions.

Types of Problems
There is one type of problem in this exercise:


 * 1) Simplify the complex fraction: This problem presents a fraction that is composed of fractions in the numerator or denominator. The student is expected to select which of a collection of expressions is equivalent to the given fractional expression.Nf1.png

Strategies
Knowledge and comfort with fractions is important for completing this exercise accurately and efficiently.
 * 1) One might choose to combine the fractions in the numerator and denominator separately, then multiply the numerator by the reciprocal of the denominator to complete the problem.
 * 2) Another option is to multiply the numerator and denominator by the LCD of all denominators, although this may require simplification at the end.
 * 3) An efficient method with a calculator is to replace any variables with constants. Performing the problem in this way would be considered as verification that a general statement holds in a specific instance.

Real-life Applications

 * 1) Fractions with variables show up in work rate word problems.