The Method is Wrong, but the Result is Correct

https://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="inline"> 2 6 is equal to https://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="inline"> 1 3 , since both the numerator and denominator are divided by the same value, 2. Similarly, https://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="inline"> 4 8 is equal to https://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="inline"> 1 2 , as both the numerator and denominator are divided by 4. When you divide the numerator and denominator by the same number, the value of the fraction remains unchanged. This process of dividing both the numerator and denominator by the same number to make the denominator smaller is called simplification (or reducing a fraction ). Often, simplification refers specifically to making the denominator as small an integer as possible.