College Algebra / Unit 2 Alg 103 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Only Factors Cancel
Captions available
The idea
Cancellation in a fraction removes a factor shared by the whole numerator and the whole denominator; a factor multiplies, a term adds.
In practice
In (3x)/(3y), the 3s multiply and cancel to x/y. In (x + 3)/3, the 3 adds — nothing cancels.
Where people slip
Divided by itself, an expression is 1; that is the entire license.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Builds on
- Nothing. This is a starting point.
Unlocks
- Nothing yet depends on this.
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