How do you simplify fractions?

Answer 1

Divide the numerator and the denominator by a common factor.

For example, 16/24 = 8/12 = 4/6 = 2/3

Find the GCF of the numerator and the denominator and divide them both by it. If the GCF is 1, the fraction is already in its simplest form.

Answer 2

Find the highest common factor (HCF) of the numerator (top) and the denominator (bottom) of the fraction. Divide both these by the HCF. The result will be the fraction in its simplest form.

An alternative to finding the HCF is to find ANY common factor and divide. But then you have to check the result for a common factor again and again, until the common factor is 1.

Answer 3

If both the numerator and the denominator can divide into each other you divide the bottom into the top giving you a smaller fraction which still means the same thing.

Answer 4

Look for common factors in the numerator and denominator. Divide top and bottom by whatever common factors there are.