The Real Number System

Properties of Fractions

Properties of Fractions
For all fractions `a//b` and `c//d`, where `b!=0` and `d!=0`:
Equality `a/b=c/d` if and only if `ad=bc`
Equivalent fractions `a/b=(ac)/(bc)`, `c!=0`
Addition `a/b+c/b=(a+c)/b`
Subtraction `a/b-c/b=(a-c)/b`
Multiplication `a/b*c/d=(ac)/(bd)`
Division `a/b-:c/d=a/b*d/c=(ad)/(bc)`, `c!=0`
Sign `-a/b=(-a)/b=a/(-b)`

The equality property of fractions contains the terminology "if and only if," which implies each of the following:

If `a/b=c/d`, then `ad=bc`

If `ad=bc`, then `a/b=c/d`

Division Property of Zero
For `a!=0`, `0/a=0`. (Zero divided by any nonzero number is zero.)
`a=0` is undefined. (Division by zero is undefined.)

Example 5: Compute with Fractions
Use the properties of fractions to perform the indicated operations. Assume that `a!=0`.
a. `(2a)/3-a/5` b. `(2a)/5*(3a)/4` c. `(5a)/6-:(3a)/4` d. `0/(3a)`
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