Simplification and Approximation (original) (raw)

Last Updated : 22 Apr, 2026

**Simplification

Simplification is the process of reducing a complex mathematical expression to its simplest form by combining like terms and removing unnecessary elements. It makes expressions easier to understand, solve, and work with.

**Approximation

Approximation is the process of finding a value that is close to the exact answer when the precise value is difficult or not required. It helps in quick calculations and practical problem-solving.

**How to Simplify Fractions?

To solve the above question, follow the steps below:

**Step 1: Convert each mixed number to an improper fraction:

• 2 \frac{1}{3} = \frac{7}{3}
• 3 \frac{1}{2} = \frac{7}{2}
• 4 \frac{1}{4} = \frac{17}{4}

**Step 2: Find the Common Denominator

The denominators are 3, 2, and 4. Their **Least Common Denominator (LCD) is **12.

Convert all fractions:

• \frac{7}{3} = \frac{28}{12}
• \frac{7}{2} = \frac{42}{12}
• \frac{17}{4} = \frac{51}{12}

**Step 3: Add Fractions

\frac{28}{12} + \frac{42}{12} + \frac{51}{12} = \frac{121}{12}

**Step 4: Convert Back to a Mixed Number

\frac{121}{12} = 10 \frac{1}{12}

In the article below we will learn some methods, rules, tricks, to simplify the questions related to simplification and approximation

Simplification Rules

Several simplification rules can be applied to solve quantitative aptitude questions efficiently. Some of the most commonly used simplification rules are:

Tips and Tricks to Solve Simplification Questions

• When attempting to solve questions that involve, simplification, it is important to remember the VBODMAS rule.
• Keep in mind the following formulas to solve the questions accurately:
• ****(a+b)** 2 = a 2 + b 2 + 2ab
• ****(a-b)** 2 = a 2 + b 2 – 2ab
• **a 2 – b 2 = (a+b) (a-b)
• **a 3 + b 3 = (a+b) (a 2 – ab + b 2 )
• ****(a+b)** 3 = a 3 **+ b 3 + 3ab (a+b)
• ****(a-b)** 3 = a 3 – b 3 – 3ab (a-b)
• Always put on a timer while solving questions so that you can solve questions on time.

Rules to Solve the Mathematical Expressions by Approximation:

Rule 1:

To solve complex problems, take the closest value of the number given in the expression. for example, 77.8 is round off to 78;

33.02 is round off to 33 etc.

Example 1: 19% of (399.88/20 × 400) + 30 =?

20/100 × (400/20 × 400) + 30 =?

1/5 × (8000) + 30 = 1600 + 30 = 1630

Rule 2:

To solve problems with large numbers involved in multiplication, we can consider the approximate value of the large numbers by increasing or decreasing the round off values making the computation easy. for example, 239 × 111 is approximated to 240 × 110.

Example 2: 192 × 397 + 560 × 5/7 + 729.80 =?

192 × 397 + 560 × 5/7 + 730 =?

190 × 400 + 400 + 730 = 76000 + 1130 = 77130

Rule 3:

To solve problems with large numbers involved in the division, we can consider the approximate value of the large numbers by increasing or decreasing the round off values making the computation easy. for example, 6198.36/38.69 is approximated as 6200/40.

Example 3: 862.5/18.64 =?

860/20 = 43

Simplification - Questions and Answers

**Question 1: Simplify the expression15/5 ​+ 3(4 − 2)

**Solution:

We can simplify by first evaluating the expression inside the parentheses:

15​/5 + 3(4 − 2) = 15/5​ + 3(2)

Then, we can calculate each part:

15/5 ​= 3

and

3(2) = 6

Now, we add the two results together:

3 + 6 = 9

Therefore, the expression15/5 ​+ 3(4 − 2) simplifies to 9.

**Question 2: Simplify the fraction (2/3)/(4/5).

**Solution:

_Invert the denominator and multiply: (2/3)/(4/5) = (2/3) x (5/4) = 10/12.

_Reduce the fraction: 10/12 = (10 ÷ 2)/(12 ÷ 2) = 5/6.

_Therefore, the simplified fraction is 5/6.

**Question 3. Simplify the expression (3x – 7) + (2x + 5)

**Solution:

_Combine like terms: (3x – 7) + (2x + 5) = (3x + 2x) + (-7 + 5) = 5x – 2

_Therefore, the simplified expression is 5x – 2.

**Question 4. Simplify the expression 2(3x + 4) – 5x + 2(2x – 3)

**Solution:

_Distribute the coefficients: 2(3x + 4) = 6x + 8 2(2x – 3) = 4x – 6

_Combining like terms: 6x + 8 – 5x + 4x – 6 = (6x – 5x + 4x) + (8 – 6) = 5x + 2

_Therefore, the simplified expression is 5x + 2.

**Question 5. Simplify the expression (2x + 3y)^2 – (2x – 3y)^2

**Solution:

_Using the difference of squares formula: (a 2 – b 2 ) = (a + b)(a – b)

_(2x + 3y) 2 – (2x – 3y) 2 = [(2x + 3y) + (2x – 3y)][(2x + 3y) – (2x – 3y)] = (4x)(6y) = 24xy

_Therefore, the simplified expression is 24xy.

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Practice Quiz on Simplification and Approximation.