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I have a question about the concept of simplification. I want to explain it with an example. When I write the fraction $4/8$ in Mathematica, the output is

1/2.

How can I return this expression as $4/8$? How can I prevent simplifying rational numbers in lowest terms?

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  • $\begingroup$ Can't u use "4/8"? ;) $\endgroup$ – Elf Dec 30 '14 at 19:13
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    $\begingroup$ HoldForm[4/8], and many Examples, if you use the search function on this page. $\endgroup$ – user9660 Dec 30 '14 at 19:14
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    $\begingroup$ ... or Defer[4/8]. $\endgroup$ – kglr Dec 30 '14 at 19:14
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    $\begingroup$ ... or check out Inactivate $\endgroup$ – Jacob Akkerboom Dec 30 '14 at 19:18
  • $\begingroup$ Thank you for your comments. Since i am a new user of mathematica, i dont know the functions very well. the functions Defer and HoldForm is ok for me. Best regards... $\endgroup$ – MATIRMAK Dec 30 '14 at 19:19
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You can use the internal function Internal`RationalNoReduce

Internal`RationalNoReduce[4, 8]

enter image description here

Internal`RationalNoReduce[4, 8]^2 + 5

enter image description here

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    $\begingroup$ Never seen that before. +1 $\endgroup$ – Mr.Wizard Jan 11 '15 at 9:49

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