Simplify Fractions

A fraction represents a part of a whole and consists of a numerator (top number) and a denominator (bottom number).

To simplify a fraction means to reduce it to its lowest terms, where the numerator and denominator have no common factors other than 1.

The GCF of two numbers is the largest number that divides both of them without leaving a remainder. You can find it by listing the factors or using the prime factorization method.

$$\frac{3}{4}$$

$$\frac{5}{8}$$

Divide both the numerator and denominator by their GCF, which is 3, resulting in $$\frac{5}{12}$$ .

$$\frac{2}{7}$$

$$\frac{1}{12}$$

Identify the GCF of the numerator and denominator.

Simplifying fractions makes them easier to understand and work with, especially in calculations.