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How to simplify a fraction in 3 easy steps?

On July 30, 2024 , updated on July 30, 2024 - 5 minutes to read

IN SHORT

  • Objective : Simplify a fraction
  • Step 1 : Find the PGCD numerators and denominators
  • 2nd step : Divide numerator And denominator speak PGCD
  • Step 3: Check if the fraction is irreducible

Steps Description
1. Find the GCD Identify the greatest common divisor of the numerators and denominators.
2. Divide by the GCD Divide the numerator and denominator by the GCD found.
3. Check simplification Make sure the numerator and denominator no longer have a common divisor.
  • Step 1 : Identify the numerator and denominator.
  • 2nd step : Find the greatest common divisor (GCD).
  • Step 3: Divide the numerator and denominator by the GCD.

Methods for simplifying a fraction

Simplifying fractions is an essential math skill. Here’s how to simplify a fraction in three easy steps, making the calculations more manageable.

Step 1: Identify the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD)

The greatest common divisor is the largest number that can divide both the numerator and denominator without leaving a remainder. For example, to simplify the fraction


24/36

, we must first find the GCD of 24 and 36.

Step 2: Divide the numerator and denominator by the GCD

Once the GCD is identified, divide both the numerator and the denominator of the fraction by this number. For our example, the GCD of 24 and 36 is 12. So, we divide 24 by 12 and 36 by 12, which gives us


2/3

.

Step 3: Check the Simplified Fraction

Make sure that the new fraction obtained cannot be simplified any further. In our example,


2/3

can no longer be simplified, because the numerator and denominator no longer have a common divisor other than 1.

Here are some tips for simplifying fractions:

  • Use the prime factor method to find the GCD more easily.
  • If the GCD is not obvious, try dividing the numerator and denominator by prime numbers like 2, 3, 5, etc.
  • Practice with different fractions to improve your simplification skill.

By following these simple steps, you can easily simplify fractions to make your calculations more efficient.

Identifying the numerator and denominator

Simplifying a fraction consists of reducing its terms so that there is no longer a common factor other than 1 between the numerator (the top number) and the denominator (the bottom number). Here’s how to do it.

Before you begin, it is crucial to clearly identify the numerator and the denominator of the fraction. For example, in the fraction 12/18, 12 is the numerator and 18 is the denominator.

Then take note of these items for the next calculation.

Step 1 : Find the greatest common factor (PGFC) of the two numbers.

The PGFC is the largest number that divides both the numerator and denominator. For the fraction 12/18, the divisors of 12 are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12, while those of 18 are 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, and 18. The greatest common divisor is so 6.

2nd step : Divide the numerator and denominator by the PGFC.

Division thus simplifies the fraction. Dividing 12 and 18 by 6, we get:

  • Numerator: 12 ÷ 6 = 2
  • Denominator: 18 ÷ 6 = 3

The simplified fraction is therefore 2/3.

Step 3: Check that the fraction is irreducible.

To ensure that the fraction is simplified correctly, check that there is no more common factor other than 1 between the numerator and the denominator. For 2/3, these two numbers have no other common divisor than 1, so the fraction is irreducible.

Using this method allows you to effectively simplify any fraction. The key is to find the PGFC, divide both terms by it, then check the results. By practicing these steps, you will quickly become comfortable with simplifying fractions.

Search for common factors

For simplify a fraction, it is essential to follow a method structured in three clear steps. Here’s how to do it effectively.

Identify the common factors between the numerator and the denominator is crucial to simplifying the fraction. These factors help reduce the fraction to its simplest form, making the calculation easier.

1. Write it down numerator and the denominator of the fraction. For example, for the fraction 12/16, the numerator is 12 and the denominator is 16.

2. Find them factors of each number. For 12, the factors are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12. For 16, the factors are 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16.

3. Identify the common factors to both numbers. In this example, 1, 2, and 4 are common factors to 12 and 16. The greatest common factor (GCF) is 4.

4. Divide both the numerator and denominator by this greatest common factor. Dividing 12 by 4, we get 3. Dividing 16 by 4, we get 4. The simplified fraction is therefore 3/4.

To sum up :

  • Write the numerator and denominator.
  • Find the factors of each number.
  • Identify and use the greatest common factor to divide.

A: Simplifying a fraction means reducing it to its simplest form, where the numerator and denominator no longer have a common factor except 1.

A: The three steps are: 1) Find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the numerator and denominator. 2) Divide the numerator and denominator by their GCD. 3) Check that the fraction is simplified by ensuring that there is no longer a common factor.

A: You can use the factoring method, or algorithms like Euclid’s algorithm to find the GCD of the two numbers.

A: Yes, all fractions can be simplified, but some are already in their simplest form.

A: Even if the numerator is smaller, you can still simplify the fraction if it has a GCD greater than 1.