Maths · Fractions
Simplify fractions
Reduce fractions to their simplest form.
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What does simplifying a fraction mean?
Simplifying a fraction means making it as simple as possible. We find the smallest numbers that show the same amount. For example, 2/4 and 1/2 are the same amount. But 1/2 uses smaller numbers, so it is simpler.
Why do we simplify fractions?
Simpler fractions are easier to understand and compare. It is easier to picture 1/2 than 4/8. They mean exactly the same thing, but 1/2 is clearer.
How do we simplify fractions?
We divide the top and bottom by the same number. We keep doing this until we cannot divide any more. The top number is called the numerator. The bottom number is called the denominator.
Finding the biggest number that divides both
We look for the biggest number that divides into both parts. If we divide 6/8 by 2, we get 3/4. We cannot divide 3 and 4 by the same number anymore. So 3/4 is the simplest form.
Worked examples
1. Simplify 4/6
- Find a number that divides into both 4 and 6.
- Both 4 and 6 can be divided by 2.
- 4 divided by 2 is 2. 6 divided by 2 is 3.
- So 4/6 simplifies to 2/3.
2. Simplify 10/15
- Find the biggest number that divides into both 10 and 15.
- 5 divides into both numbers.
- 10 divided by 5 is 2. 15 divided by 5 is 3.
- So 10/15 simplifies to 2/5.
3. Simplify 8/12
- Both 8 and 12 can be divided by 4.
- 8 divided by 4 is 2. 12 divided by 4 is 3.
- So 8/12 simplifies to 2/3.
- We cannot divide 2 and 3 any further.
Try it yourself
Simplify 6/9
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