irreducible
adj. C1 Advanced UK //ɪɹɪdjˈuːsəbəl// ir·re·duc·ible
adj. describing something that cannot be made smaller, simpler, or less in amount. In math, it means a fraction that cannot be simplified further.
adj. incapable of being reduced in size, amount, or complexity. In mathematical contexts, it specifically refers to a fraction where the numerator and denominator share no common factors other than one.
The fraction 3/4 is irreducible because it cannot be simplified further.
The professor explained that the problem was irreducible to a simple formula and required a more complex approach.
In logic, an irreducible argument is one that cannot be broken down into simpler premises without losing the essential structure of the original reasoning.
From ir- + reducible.