ABBREVIATE

; to abbreviate fractions in arithmetic and algebra, is to lessen proportionally their terms, or the numerator and denominator; which is performed by dividing those terms by any number or quantity, which will divide them without leaving a remainder. And when the terms cannot be any farther so divided, the fraction is said to be in its least terms.

So , by dividing the terms continually by 2.

And , by dividing by 2, 3, and 7.

Also , by dividing by 3 and by 2.

And , by dividing by 4 ^ax.

And , by dividing by a+x.