Simplifying Fractions ? Lowest Terms Simplifying Fractions 2# 8( !1 2& @ 6% Reduce Simplify

Common fractions may be simplified, or written in simplest form. Sometimes we say this is putting a fraction in lowest terms or reducing the fraction. (The fraction is not actually reducing though, it is staying the same.)

Simplifying fractions means that you are making the numbers in the fraction (the numerator and denominator) into smaller numbers so the fraction is easier to understand. For example, 2% 5) is hard to picture in your head. But if you simplify the fraction into 1@ it is much easier to imagine and therefore understand.

A common fraction is in simplest form when the greatest common factor of the numerator and the denominator is 1.

Divide the numerator and denominator by 2@ . To express 6* in simplest form, Find the GCF of 6 and 8. The GCF of 6 and 8 would be 2. Divide the numerator and denominator by 2@ .

6* ÷ 2@ = 3$ Look at the fraction 3$ . 6* ÷ 2@ = 3$ Look at the fraction 3$ . What would be the GCF of 3 and 4? The GCF of 3 and 4 would be 1, so the fraction 3$ is in simplest form.

Put the following fractions into simplest form: E + Z + P + Z

1! 2* = 1! 2* ÷ 6^ = 2# 1@ 6$ = 1@ 6$ ÷ 8* = 2# # 6) = # 6) ÷ 6^ = 1%

There are some easy ways to look at a fraction and tell if it is in simplest form or whether it needs to be simplified. Those ways are on the next presentation.

Remember: To simplify a fraction find the GCF for the numerator and denominator and divide by that in the form of one. A fraction is in simplest form if the GCF for the numerator and denominator is one.

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