Can fractions with common factors be reduced to form neighbor fractions?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the properties of fractions, specifically focusing on whether fractions with common factors can be reduced to form neighbor fractions. The original poster attempts to establish that certain fractions must be irreducible based on their structure and the implications of assuming they are reducible.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the implications of assuming fractions are reducible versus irreducible, with some questioning the validity of specific cases and exceptions. There is a discussion on the nature of irreducibility and the conditions under which fractions can be considered neighbor fractions.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with each other's reasoning, questioning assumptions, and clarifying points of confusion. There is an acknowledgment of contradictions in the assumptions made about irreducibility, and some participants are considering exceptions that may affect the overall argument.

Contextual Notes

There are mentions of specific cases and exceptions, such as the scenario where x equals 1 or -1, which are noted as potential points of confusion. The discussion also reflects a desire to avoid providing direct hints or solutions, emphasizing a focus on individual understanding.

chemistry1
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*If I turn out to have a wrong answer, please no hints or showing an valid proof. I want to do it on my own !
ad/bd-bc/bd=+-1/bd is neighbor fraction

Now, reduce the common numbers :

a/b-c/d=+-1/bd

We must now prove that the left hand side has irreductible fractions. Let's see what would happen if these fraction were reductible.

let a=z*y , b=z*l , c=p*m d=p*n

z*y/z*l-p*m/p*n equality to be determined +-1/(z*l)*(p*n)

Reduce:

*ln (y/l-m/n) equality to be determined (+-1/(z*l)*(p*n))*ln

yn-lm equality to be determined +-1/z*p

yn-lm not= +-1/z*p

We have considered the initial fractions to be reductible and have arrived at a false result. An integer cannot be equal to (+-1/z*p)

So, the initial fractions must be irreductible.

*Of course, I'm considering the variables to represents integers.
 
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I see a shorter way, but your approach is possible, with two caveats:

Currently, you are showing that at least one of the fractions has to be irreducible. Do you want to show that both have to be irreducible?

chemistry1 said:
We have considered the initial fractions to be reductible and have arrived at a false result. An integer cannot be equal to (+-1/z*p)
It can, in a special case (that does not change the main result, but you have to consider this case).
 
Wait, what do you mean I considered only one case ? I tried to consider two factorizable fractions at the sametime...

Also, for the special case you were talking about, I did notice that there was an exception but I rejected it, didn't think it would have great consequence. Is it the following? :

x=1/x
If we were to obtain a result where x=-1, or 1 (I don't know how we could obtain such result) then this would create an equality, if such result was possible. But this would be the only exception.
 
chemistry1 said:
Wait, what do you mean I considered only one case ? I tried to consider two factorizable fractions at the sametime...
You found a contradiction for the assumption that both fractions are not irreducible at the same time, indeed. This does not rule out the case of 1 irreducible and one reducible fraction.

Also, for the special case you were talking about, I did notice that there was an exception but I rejected it, didn't think it would have great consequence. Is it the following? :

x=1/x
If we were to obtain a result where x=-1, or 1 (I don't know how we could obtain such result) then this would create an equality, if such result was possible. But this would be the only exception.
z and p equal to +-1 is indeed this exception, but this exception corresponds to irreducible fractions, so it's fine (as long as you consider it in this way).
 
mfb said:
You found a contradiction for the assumption that both fractions are not irreducible at the same time, indeed. This does not rule out the case of 1 irreducible and one reducible fraction.

z and p equal to +-1 is indeed this exception, but this exception corresponds to irreducible fractions, so it's fine (as long as you consider it in this way).
Ah ok, then I'll post here my new finding when I create the other part of the proof.

I just didn't follow the following :
but this exception corresponds to irreducible fractions, so it's fine (as long as you consider it in this way)

Could you rephrase ? (I'm tired, so maybe I'm not reading correctly lol.) From what I've understood what you meant is that this exception could only be achieved if were able to have irreductible fractions be reductible (Which I proved in part wasn't possible and a few numerical examples follow what I'm trying to prove.) Is that what you meant ??

Thank you!
 
Ok, sorry for being late to respond :


a/b-c/d=+-1/bd

xi/xj-c/d (to be determined) +-1/((xj)*d)

(i/j-c/d(to be determined)+-1/xj*d) * jd

id-jc not equal to +-1/x

except for 1 and -1

The same is done for the second fractions on the left side.
 
Right.
 
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