What is cross cancellation?

Cross cancellation is a mathematical technique used in fractions, particularly in simplifying or comparing them. It involves eliminating common factors between the numerator of one fraction and the denominator of another when multiplying or dividing fractions. For example, in the expression (\frac{a}{b} \times \frac{c}{d}), if (b) and (c) share a common factor, you can divide them by that factor before performing the multiplication, simplifying the calculation. This method can make computations easier and faster.