Simplifying Fractions - How to Simplify Fractions?

Simplify Fractions

For some kids, the fraction is their worst nightmare because they can’t decide which digits they need to choose to get the correct answer. In this topic, we will discuss how to simplify fractions?

Fraction

It refers to the parts of the whole. In simple words, it tells in how many parts we can divide a whole. Also, you can easily identify fraction by as slash (/) between two numbers. Besides, the numerator is the top number and denominator is the bottom number in the fraction.

Its example can be 1/2, 3/4, 84/7, etc. In all these examples the first number 1, 3, and 84 are numerator and numbers 2, 4, and 7 are all denominator.

$simplify fractions$

The simplest way to understand this to use a pizza 1/2 means that there is a total of 2 slices and you can have 1 slice from it. In the same way, 3/4 means that there is a total of 4 slices and you can have 3 of them.

Types of fraction

There are two types of fractions:

Proper and Improper fraction

Proper fractions refer to those fractions in which the numerator is less than the denominator. On the other hand, improper fractions refer to those fractions in which the numerator is greater than the denominator. For example, 8/10 is a proper fraction while 20/10 is an improper fraction.

How to Simplify Fractions Step by Step

There are two methods to simplify fractions.

Method 1

In the first method, try to divide (Only the whole number) both the numerator and denominator of the fraction by 2, 3, 5, 7, etc, until we cannot go any further.

For example, simplify the fraction 24/ 108.

Solution: 24 / 108 ÷ 2 = 12 / 56
When 12 / 56 ÷ 2 = 6 / 27
6 / 27 ÷ 3 = 2 / 9

Thus, the fraction simplifies to 2 / 9.

In another example, simplify 10 / 35.

Solution: in this situation, we cannot divide the number by 2 because 35 are not completely divisible by 2. Moreover, it can’t be divided by 3 because neither 10 nor 35 is completely divisible by it. Also, there is no need to check for 2 because 4 is a multiple of 2 and 35 is not divisible it completely.
So, in this case, we will use five (5).
Thus, 10 / 35 ÷5 = 2 / 7

So, the answer in fraction form will be 2/7 and it is the most simplified form in fraction.

Also, for checking from the smallest to the biggest number we use the prime number that is;
2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19, 23, 29, etc. Because prime numbers are those number which divides from themselves and with one.

Method 2

In this method, you first have to work out the greatest common factor of the number and then divide both the numerator and denominator of the fraction by it.

For example: Simplify fraction to its simplest form 8 / 12.

Solution: The largest number that can divide both the numbers is 4. In this case, the greatest common factor of top and bottom number (numerator and denominator) is 4.

Now, divide both the numerator and denominator by 4 and you will get your answer.
8 / 12 ÷ 4 = 2 / 3

So, the simplest form is 2 / 3.