How do you write a fraction in simplest form?

Answer 1

You look for common factors between the numerator and denominator, and divide both by the factor. For example, in the fraction 6/12, both numerator and denominator are divisible by 2, so you simply this to 3/6. Since both are divisible by 3, this can be further simplified to 1/2. Or, you divide numerator and denominator in the original fraction by 6 in the first place.

Answer 2

To reduce a fraction to a simplified form, the numerator and denominator must have a common factor. Divide each by the greatest common factor.

Example: 8/12

The numbers 8 and 12 have common factors 2 and 4. The largest is 4.

Dividing, you have

8 divided by 4 is 2

12 divided by 4 is 3

The simplest equivalent fraction is 2/3

Fractions are already in their simplest form when the numerator and denominator are said to be relatively prime or co-prime, that is they have no common factors.

The fractions 3/5, 7/8, and 11/28 are therefore in their simplest form.