Learning Objective: I can simplify fractions.
Simplifying (or reducing) fractions means to make the fraction as simple as possible. Why say four-eighths (4/8) when you really mean half (1/2) ?
Here is one way to simplify a fraction:
Try dividing both the top and bottom of the fraction until you can't go any further (try dividing by 2,3,5,7,... etc).
Simplifying (or reducing) fractions means to make the fraction as simple as possible. Why say four-eighths (4/8) when you really mean half (1/2) ?
Here is one way to simplify a fraction:
Try dividing both the top and bottom of the fraction until you can't go any further (try dividing by 2,3,5,7,... etc).
Divide both the top and bottom of the fraction by the Greatest Common Factor, (you have to work it out first!).
Example: Simplify the fraction 8/12 :
1. The largest number that goes exactly into both 8 and 12 is 4, so the Greatest Common Factor is 4.
2. Divide both top and bottom by 4:
Example: Simplify the fraction 8/12 :
1. The largest number that goes exactly into both 8 and 12 is 4, so the Greatest Common Factor is 4.
2. Divide both top and bottom by 4: