Some fractions can be simplified.
For example, the fraction 2/4 can be simplified to 1/2.
A simplified fraction is a fraction that is already in its simplest form. If you can’t find an equivalent fraction with a smaller numerator and denominator then you’ve got a simplified fraction.
BASIC CONCEPTS
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Any number multiplied or divided by 1 doesn’t change its value.
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Similarly, dividing the numerator and the denominator by the same number won’t change the value of the fraction.
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The simplest form of a fraction has no common factors in the numerator and denominator.
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Factors are numbers that are multiplied to give a product.
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6 blue fish
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12 total fish
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6/12 of the fish are blue
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We can simplify this fraction further because 6 and 12 both have common factors.
1/2 is the simplest form of 6/12
How to Simplify Fractions
A fraction can be simplified by dividing both the numerator and denominator by a common factor.
6/8 = 6/8 ÷ 2/2 = 3/4
Let’s look at the fraction :
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The numerator and denominator are both multiples of 2.
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If we divide the numerator and denominator by 2, we’ll get an equivalent fraction.
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6/8 can be simplified to 3/4
How to Simplify Fractions
Finding Factors
Let’s review factors!
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Factors are numbers that multiply together to make a larger number.
Example: What are the factors of 10?
Example Factors
Find the Simplest Form of the Fraction
We can see above that 2 and 4 are both divisible by 2 because
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2÷2 = 1
4÷2 = 2
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Since 2 and 4 are both divisible by 2, it means that 2 is a factor of these numbers.
Divide the numerator and denominator both by 2 to get the simplest fraction 1/2.
Find the Simplest Form of the Fraction
We can see above that 4 and 10 are both divisible by 2 because
4÷2 = 2
10÷2 = 5
Since 4 and 10 are both divisible by 2, it means that 2 is a factor of these numbers.
Divide the numerator and denominator both by 2 to get the simplest fraction 2/5 .
Quick Review!
5/10 ÷ 5/5 = 1/2
5/5 = 1
Notice: The value of the fraction doesn’t change.
Dividing the numerator and denominator by the same number is the same as dividing by 1.
Find the Simplest Form of the fraction
4/16
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First, find the common factors of the numerator and denominator.
Factors of 4: 1 , 2 , 4
(1 × 4 = 4; 2 × 2 = 4; 4 × 1 = 4)
Factors of 16: 1 , 2 , 4 , 8 , 16
(1 × 16 = 16; 2 × 8 = 16; 4 × 4 = 16;
8 × 2 = 16; 16 × 1 = 16)
Find the Simplest Form of the fraction
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Greatest Common Factor (GCF)
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GCF is the greatest number that is both a factor for the numerator and denominator.
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In the previous example, it is 4.
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​Divide the numerator and denominator by the GCF.
4 ÷ 4 = 1
16 ÷ 4 = 4
• So, the simplest form of 4/16 is 1/4 .
Find the Simplest Form of the Fraction
Common factors:
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16 : 1 , 2 , 4 , 8 , 16
84 : 1 , 2 , 4 , 6 , 7, 12 , 14 , 21 , 42 , 84
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Once past the maximum value of the numerator, there won’t be a common factor.
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Greatest Common Factor = 4
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16/84 ÷ 4/4 = 4/21
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Find the Simplest Form of the Fraction
Toy Cars
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Alex has six toy cars. Three of the cars are blue. How can you write a fraction for the blue cars in simplest form?
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Fraction 3/6 Blue cars (numerator)
Total cars (denominator)
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Common factors
3 : 1, 3
6 : 1,2, 3, 6
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3/6 ÷ 3/3 = 1/2
Video: Simplifying Fractions
​How are Fractions Reduced to their Simplified Form?
To reduce a fraction into its simplest form, divide the numerator and denominator by their highest common factor.
What is the Easiest way to Simplifying Fractions?
One of the quickest ways to reduce a fraction to its simplest form is to divide the numerator and denominator of the fraction by their highest common factor.
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What are the Steps in Simplifying Fractions?Follow the steps mentioned below to reduce a fraction to its simplest form: Find the highest common factor of the numerator and denominator. Divide the numerator and denominator by the highest common factor. The fraction so obtained is in the simplest form.
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What does Simplifying Fractions Mean?Simplifying fractions mean reducing the fraction in its lowest form. It helps us to do calculations involving fractions much easily. For an instance, it is easier to add 1/2 and 1/2 as compared to 2/4 + 4/8.
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What is the Rule for Simplifying Fractions?The rule of simplifying fractions is to cancel out the common factors in the numerator and the denominator of the given fraction. In other words, we have to make sure that the numerator and denominator should be co-prime numbers.
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How do you Simplify Large Fractions?How to Teach Simplifying Fractions? Simplifying fractions usually come in grade 5 or 6. To teach simplifying fractions, follow the points given below: Allow learners to work on hands-on activities including rectangular or circular fraction models to arrive at an understanding that 2/4 is the same as 1/2. Use real-life examples of simplifying fractions. Use simplifying fractions worksheets.
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What is the Easiest way to Simplifying Fractions?One of the quickest ways to reduce a fraction to its simplest form is to divide the numerator and denominator of the fraction by their highest common factor.
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How to Explain Simplifying Fractions?A fraction is said to be in the simplest form when there is no common factor of numerator and denominator other than 1. For example, 11/23 is a simplified fraction as 11 and 23 do not have any common factors.
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How to Convert an Improper Fraction to its Simplified Form?Divide the numerator by denominator to obtain quotient and remainder. Then, the mixed fraction or the simplified fraction can be written as Quotient=Remainder/Divisor.
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How are Fractions Reduced to their Simplified Form?To reduce a fraction into its simplest form, divide the numerator and denominator by their highest common factor.