In
mathematics,
reduction refers to the
rewriting of an expression into a simpler form. For example, the process of rewriting a
fraction into one with the smallest whole-number denominator possible (while keeping the numerator an integer) is called
"reducing a fraction". Rewriting a
radical (or "root") expression with the smallest possible whole number under the radical symbol is called "reducing a radical". Minimizing the number of radicals that appear underneath other radicals in an expression is called
denesting radicals.