# Simplifying A Fraction That Can't Be Simplified

1. Apr 20, 2015

### willgtl

So let me start off by saying I am horrible at math and always have been. Despite considering myself highly intelligent, I suck at math. It's what led me into computer programming instead of physics like I wanted.

Simply, I want to ask, say I have a fraction or a ratio that can't be simplified, say like 131,234:1,715, how would I go about rounding it to a smaller-numbered ratio that's more readily conceivable? It doesn't have to be an exact number, just a number that is close enough and small enough. Thanks!

2. Apr 20, 2015

### robphy

When plugged into a calculator, you get 76.5212827988.
So, you could use 765/100, then simplify further if you wish. (Edit... Oops... 765/10. Thanks SteamKing)

You could also try out possible denominators
and see which numerator suits your taste.

Last edited: Apr 21, 2015
3. Apr 20, 2015

### willgtl

Ah, thank you! I was thinking that but didn't trust that I was on the right path.

4. Apr 20, 2015

Staff Emeritus
With a spreadsheet, or even a programmable calculator, you can look for others just with trial and error. The best one with a three digit denominator is 73690/963, the best one with a two digit denominator is 7193/94, and the best one with a single digit denominator is 153/2.

5. Apr 21, 2015

### SteamKing

Staff Emeritus
Uhhh... 765 / 100 = 7.65, not 76.5

6. Apr 21, 2015

### Staff: Mentor

You can also use WolframAlpha to get what are called Egyptian fractions:

\begin{align} \frac{131234}{1715} &= 76 + \frac{1}{2} + \frac{1}{47} + \frac{1}{161210} \\ &\approx \frac{7193}{94} \end{align}
(keeping only the first two fractions).