Simplifying Fractions - Math Grid-In Section

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1

<p>Hey everyone, so I was doing some practice Math problems for the SAT I from Kaplan, and I didn't miss any except for one problem. When I went to look at my answer again, though, I realized that I had the "right answer" (as in, it was the correct value), but the fraction wasn't reduced. In my case, I put 51/9 instead of 17/3.</p>

<p>In retrospect, it makes sense that you should reduce the fraction (it technically the more accepted form), but when I looked at the instructions for the Grid-In problems, it never explicitly said you needed to reduce a fraction. I kind of assumed that, if the answer fit in with the bubbles provided, it is correct, even if it wasn't in reduced form (as you can see, both of the answers above fit into the grid-in spaces provided).</p>

<p>So, on the real SAT, if I were to put a non-reduced fraction, would it also be considered wrong? </p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>That's a good question. No one can actually tell you for sure because no one wants to risk that just to find out. There is a way to reduce fractions on your calculator, so just do that for the grid ins that you are unsure of. Or better yet, type it in decimal form.</p>

3

<p>Reduced and non-reduced fractions are scored the same way, assuming, of course, that the non-reduced one fits into the grid.</p>

4

<p>Thanks for the clarifications guys! I appreciate it.</p>

5

<p>Yeah, that's correct...you don't have to reduce fractions that fit in the grid. From the College Board Website: A fraction does not have to be reduced unless it will not fit the grid. For example, 15/25 will not fit. You can grid 3/5, 6/10, or 9/15. The decimal form, .6, can also be gridded.</p>

<p>I rarely but occasionally see answers that are naturally derived from the problem in an unreduced form.</p>