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 write a fraction in simplest form, you need to find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the numerator and the denominator. Divide both the numerator and the denominator by their GCD to simplify the fraction. This process ensures that the fraction is expressed in its most reduced form, with no common factors remaining in the numerator and denominator.

Answer 3

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.