Reducing a Fraction to Its Simplest Form

Learning Goal We will use our understanding of fractions and divisors so that we can find an equivalent fraction with a smaller numerator and denominator. We’ll know we’ve got it when we are able to reduce fractions to their simplest form.

Vocabulary Collection Denominator Equal Parts Equivalent Fraction GCD (Greatest Common Divisor) Half/Third/Quarter Integer Numerator Ratio Simplest Form

Reducing Fractions Reducing fractions means finding an equivalent fraction with a smaller numerator and denominator. A fraction reduced to its simplest form is an irreducible fraction (a fraction you can’t reduce anymore!). The only common divisor for both the numerator and denominator in an irreducible fraction is 1.

Reducing Fractions Example: 18/24 1. Find the greatest common divisor of the numerator (18) and denominator (24). Divisors of 18: 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 18 Divisors of 24: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24 2. Divide the numerator and the denominator by this number (6): 18 ÷ 6 = 3 24 ÷ 6 = 4 The irreducible fraction 3/4 is 18/24 in its simplest form.