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Here is an example. The fraction to simplify is 6/12. See if there is a common factor between the numerator and the denominator. In this case, 3 happens to be a common factor. Divide numerator and denominator by 3. The result is 2/4. See if there are more common factors, and repeat. Dividing numerator and denominator by 2, you get 1/2. You could also have divided numerator and denominator of the original fraction by 6, with the same final result - but sometimes it is easier to do it in parts.

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Q: How do you simplify fractions by cancelling common factors?
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Related questions

How are common factors useful?

They are useful in reducing fractions and to simplify radicals. They are useful in reducing fractions and to simplify radicals.


Simplify fractions by dividing out common factors of 7x11?

7 & 11 have no common factor: both are prime.


Greatest common factor life application?

One common application of greatest common factors is to simplify fractions. Note that you don't necessarily need the GREATEST common factor; you can simplify by dividing both numbers by any common factor, and then continue looking for additional factors.


Why is it beneficial to simplify before multiplying or dividing?

Cancelling out common factors means you are working with smaller numbers. It is usually, but not always, beneficial.


When multiplying fractions the shortcut process of finding common factors that divide evenly into at least one of the numerator and one of the denominator is called?

It is called simplification [by cancelling common factors].


How do you simplify expressions with variables?

You multiply out brackets, remove common factors from fractions, combine like terms.


How can you simplify nine over fifty- eight?

You can't simplify that. There are no common factors.You can't simplify that. There are no common factors.You can't simplify that. There are no common factors.You can't simplify that. There are no common factors.


What is the trick to finding the greatest common factors?

Finding the GCF will help you when you are trying to reduce fractions.


Why do you use greatest common divisor?

To simplify fractions.


What is 4 8th in simplest form?

To simplify fractions, look for common factors - factors that are shared by both numbers, in this case, 4 and 8. If you find one, divide both numbers by the common factor. Repeat, until there are no more common factors.


Do you have to change the denominators when multiplying fractions?

No. To multiple fractions multiple the numerators together and multiply the denominators together and simplify (by dividing both numerator and denominator of the result by common factors until the only common factor is 1). The denominators only need to be the same when adding or subtracting fractions.


How can a number be equivalent fractions when they have no common factors?

You may have answered your own question. Equivalent fractions have common factors. If they don't have common factors, they aren't equivalent.