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Simplifying Fractions

A fraction is considered simplified if there are no common factors, other than 1, in the numerator and the denominator. This means that these numbers cannot be divided by the same number, so the fraction cannot be displayed using lower numbers. This section explains simplified fractions and shows you how to simplify fractions yourself.

Examples & Activity

Examples

Click on the titles below to view each example.

Simplify 32 over 56.

Line 1: Notice that the greatest common factor of the numerator of 32 and denominator of 56 is 8.

Line 2: Rewrite the numerator and denominator showing the common factor of 8 so the fraction is 4 times 8 over 7 times 8.

Line 3: Remove the common factor of 8 in both the numerator and the denominator.

Line 4: Simply the fraction to 4 over 7.

Simplify 5xy over 15x

Line 1: Notice that the greatest common factors of the numerator and the denominator is 5x.

Line 2: Rewrite the numerator and denominator showing the common factor of 5x so the fraction is 5x times y over 3 times 5x.

Line 3: Remove the common factor of 5x in both the numerator and the denominator.

Line 4: Simply the fraction to y over 3.

Activity

Try this activity to test your skills. If you have trouble, check out the information in the module for help.

Summary and Worksheet

Attribution

Examples Source: "Prealgebra - opens in a new window" by Lynn Marecek & Mary Anne Anthony-Smith is licensed under CC BY 4.0 - opens in a new window / A derivative from the original work - opens in a new window