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A fraction is a rational number expressed in the form
or , where is designated the numerator and the denominator. The slash between them is known as a solidus when the fraction is expressed as .
The fraction has value . For instance,
.
If and are positive, and , then is known as a proper fraction. Otherwise, it is an improper fraction. If and are relatively prime, then is said to be in lowest terms. Each rational number can be expressed uniquely as a fraction in lowest terms. To get a fraction in lowest terms, simply divide the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor:
The rules for manipulating fractions are
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