simplification

Everyday

1. The act of making something simpler or easier to understand or do. tree →
2. An explanation or version that leaves out details to be easier, sometimes so much that it is no longer quite right. tree →
3. (maths) Making an expression or fraction simpler, like turning 4/8 into 1/2. tree →

In the lessons

In maths lessons simplification means cancelling fractions, collecting like terms or reducing ratios to lowest terms. In science and history teachers say «this is a simplification» when a model is easier than the full truth (like the atom as tiny balls). Phrases: «an oversimplification», «a useful simplification».

Examples

• Simplification of 6/9 gives 2/3. tree →
• Saying the Earth is a perfect ball is a simplification. tree →
• The new rules are a simplification of the old ones. tree →
• That's an oversimplification — the war had many causes. tree →
• Simplification of 2x + 3x gives 5x. tree →
• The teacher made a simplification so younger children could follow. tree →
• Simplification of the instructions made the game easier to learn. tree →

Note

Countable and uncountable. From «simplify» (y changes to i). In maths, simplification never changes the value: 4/8 and 1/2 are equal; you divide top and bottom by the same number.