How to Simplify a Fraction
To simplify a fraction, divide both the top number and the bottom numbers by their greatest common factor (which is the largest number that will divide exactly into both numbers).Question
Simplify the fraction below.
Step-by-Step:
1
Find the greatest common factor of the top and bottom numbers.
2
Divide the top number (called the numerator) of the fraction (4) by the greatest common factor (2).
4 ÷ 2 = 2
3
Divide the bottom number (called the denominator) of the fraction (6) by the greatest common factor (2).
6 ÷ 2 = 3
4
The answer from Step 2 is the numerator of our answer. The answer from Step 3 is the denominator of our answer.
Answer:
A Real Example of How to Simplify a Fraction
In the example above, a proper fraction (where the top number is smaller than the bottom) was simplified. In this example, an improper fraction (where the top number is bigger than the bottom) will be simplified. It's exactly the same method.Question
Simplify the fraction below.
Step-by-Step:
1
Find the greatest common factor of the top and bottom numbers.
The factors of 24 are: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24
The factors of 18 are: 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 18
6 is the greatest common factor.
2
Divide the top number (called the numerator) of the fraction (24) by the greatest common factor (6).
24 ÷ 6 = 4
3
Divide the bottom number (called the denominator) of the fraction (18) by the greatest common factor (6).
18 ÷ 6 = 3
4
The answer from Step 2 is the numerator of our answer. The answer from Step 3 is the denominator of our answer.
Answer:
Equivalent Fractions and Simplest Form
Fractions can be equivalent, even if they look different. For example: There are three different types of fractions:
The fractions are all
equivalent. They represent the same amount.
Fractions are equivalent when both the top and bottom numbers are multiplied or divided by the same number (they are factors or multiples of each other).
In the example below, the top and bottom numbers are multiplied or divided by 2.
For all equivalent fractions, one fraction is the simplest.
Which is the simplest? The fraction where the top and bottom numbers are the smallest.
The simplest fraction of the three is:
equivalent fractions and simplest form
Visualizing Equivalent and Simplest Fractions
Fractions can be visualized as a cake cut into equal slices. Using this method, equivalent fractions can be visualized. The three fractions below are equivalent:
The top cake shows the simplest fraction, as there are the fewest slices.
What Is a Factor?
A factor is a number or symbol which divides exactly into another number. For example, the factors of 10 are:
What Is the Greatest Common Factor?
The greatest common factor is the largest factor that is common to two or more numbers.
This page was written by Stephen Clarke.
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