2. Simplifying Fractions (4-4)

3. Find two fractions equivalent to .
Simplifying Fractions
LESSON 4-4
Additional Examples 18 21
Find two fractions equivalent to 18 21
18 • 2
21 • 2 =
a.  = 36 42 18 21
18 ÷ 3
21 ÷ 3 =
b.  6 7 =
The fractions and are both equivalent to 6 7 36 42 18 21

4. Divide the numerator and denominator by the GCD, 7.
Simplifying Fractions
LESSON 4-4
Additional Examples
You learn that 21 out of the 28 students in a class, or , buy their lunches in the cafeteria. Write this fraction in simplest form. 21 28
The GCD of 21 and 28 is 7. 21 28
21 ÷ 7
28 ÷ 7 =
Divide the numerator and denominator by the GCD, 7. 3 4 =
Simplify. 3 4
of the students in the class buy their lunches in the cafeteria.

5. Divide the numerator and denominator by the common factor, p.
Simplifying Fractions
LESSON 4-4
Additional Examples
Write in simplest form. p 2p a. p 2p = p1
2p1
Divide the numerator and denominator by the common factor, p. 1 2 =
Simplify.

6. Write as a product of prime factors.
Simplifying Fractions
LESSON 4-4
Additional Examples
(continued) b.
14q2rs3
8qrs2 =
Write as a product of prime factors.
14q2rs3
8qrs2
2 • 7 • q • q • r • s • s • s
2 • 2 • 2 • q • r • s • s
21 • 7 • q1 • q • r1 • s1 • s1 • s
21 • 2 • 2 • q1 • r1 • s1 • s1
Divide the numerator and denominator by the common factors. =
Simplify.
7 • q • s
2 • 2 =
Simplify.
7 • q • s 4 =
7qs 4 =