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Actually, it is often easier to divide by factors other than the GCF as they will be smaller numbers.

All that dividing by the GCF does is simplify the fraction in one step as opposed to many steps.

I often find myself simplifying fractions by dividing by obvious smaller factors which means that when I do have to find a GCF (often to prove the fraction is in simplest form) it will be with smaller numbers as well (which is easier).

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Q: Why is it easier to divide the numerator and denominator by the GCF rather than any other factor?
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Related questions

When you divide the numerator and denominator by the same factor?

when you divide the numerator and denominator by the same factor


Why is it easier to divide the numerator and denominator by the greatest common factor rather than any other factor?

If you divide by the GCF, you will only have to do it once to produce the simplest form.


How to simplify fractions?

Find the Greatest Common Factor of the numerator and denominator, then divide the numerator by the GCF, and that is the new numerator. Divide the denominator by the GCF, and that is the new denominator.


How do you do simplest form?

how to find simplest form is: 1. Find the GCF of the numerator and denominator 2. Divide the numerator and denominator by the GCF


How do you figure simplest forms of fractions?

If the numerator and denominator of a fraction have a common factor (except for '1'), divide both numerator and denominator by their common factor. The fraction is in the simplest form when the numerator and denominator have no common factors.


What is it called when you divide the numerator and denominator by a common factor?

simplifying the fraction


What is it called when you divide the numerator and the denominator of a ratio by the same factor?

simplifying


What should you do to find a fractions simplest form and only have to divide once?

You have to find the greatest common factor between the numerator and the denominator. Then you divide numerator and denominator by this greatest common factor. There are several methods to find the greatest common factor. Note that "dividing only once" is not necessarily to your advantage; it is easier to divide by ANY common factor you find, and then continue looking for additional factors.


How can you simplify 130 over 400?

You look for common factors in the numerator and the denominator, then divide both the numerator and the denominator by that common factor.


How can the greatest common factor help you write a fraction in simplest form?

Find the greatest common factor between the numerator and the denominator, then divide the numerator by greatest common factor and then divide denominator by greatest common factor, for a new simplified fraction.


How do you make fractions into simplest form?

-- Find any common factor of the numerator and denominator, and divide numerator and denominator by it. -- Keep doing that until the numerator and denominator no longer have any common factor except ' 1 '. The fraction is then in its simplest form.


How to you lowest term a fraction?

Divide the numerator and the denominator by their highest common factor.