1. Preview to Chapter 1- Simplifying Fractions Simplifying Fractions means to write the fraction in the simplest form. Simplifying Fractions means to write the fraction in the simplest form. Why should we learn this? Why should we learn this? The simplest form makes the fractions easier to work with.

2. Simplest Form When the only common factor of the numerator and denominator is 1, the fraction is in simplest form. 3 4 3 4 ÷ 1 1 =

3. Unfortunately, not all fractions only have 1 as their common factor. This means we must simplify. Unfortunately, not all fractions only have 1 as their common factor. This means we must simplify. Do we really want to work with a fraction that looks like this? Do we really want to work with a fraction that looks like this? 16 Or this? 56 20 64 20 64 No!!! No!!!

4. How to Find the Simplest Form of a Fraction Find a common factor of the numerator and the denominator and divide both the numerator and the denominator by that number. Keep Keep dividing by common factors until your fraction is in simplest form.

5. Check the most common factors first. Check the most common factors first. 2 3 5 7

6. Simplify This Fraction- First find a common factor. Then divide both numerator and denominator by the factor. Check 2, 3, 5, 7. 9 21 3 7 ÷ 3 3 =

7. Simplify This Fraction Remember-Check 2, 3, 5, 7. Is it in simplest form or can you divide again? 12 20 6 10 ÷ 2 2 =

8. Simplify This Fraction Check 2, 3, 5, 7. 10 15 2 3 ÷ 5 5 =

9. Simplify This Fraction Check 2, 3, 5, 7. 21 35 3 5 ÷ 7 7 =

10. Simplify This Fraction Is it in simplest form or can you divide again? 12 16 6 8 ÷ 2 2 =

11. Simplify This Fraction 3 12 1 4 ÷ 3 3 =

12. Simplify This Fraction Is it in simplest form or can you divide again? 12 30 6 15 ÷ 2 2 =