Simplifying Fractions – Free Guide On How To Simplify Fractions

In the next five minutes I am going to show some amazing simple math methods to simplifying fractions, where by the end of this math lesson you will know exactly how to simplifying fractions without any problems.

A fraction is a ratio that compares two numbers (a/b) in math.

The first number a is called numerator, and the second number b is called denominator.

A fraction is in its simplest form where the numerator and denominator cannot be divided by any other number, except 1.

Simplifying Fractions

Let us see the example below.

However, we can simplify the fractions by

(a) division or (b) cancellation

Let us discuss these two methods one by one.

Now let us see how we can simplify the fraction by division method.

To simplify fractions, first you must find a common factor. Then divide the fraction by the common factor, follow by dividing both the numerator and denominator by the same number.

But you may wonder what is a “factor” mean here?

Factor here means that a number that can divides evenly into another.

• Factors of 2 are 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and others

• Factors of 3 are 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, and others.

• Factors of 4 are 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24 and others

So the common factor here, means that a number when two numbers have the same factor. Let us see the example below.

By reference to the factors above,

• The common factor of 2 and 3 are 6, 12 and others.

• The common factor of 2 and 4 are 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24 and others.

• The common factor of 3 and 4 are 12, 24 and others.

After understanding what is common factor and how to find the common factor, only then we start to find the simplest form of a fraction.

Here we have to find the greatest common factor of the numerator and the denominator, then divide both numerator and denominator by that common factor. See the example below.

and

Now let us see how we can simplify the fraction by cancellation method.

This method is just very simple if you have understand the first method. Let me show you some examples below.