How to Simplify Fractions? (+FREE Worksheet!)

Simplifying fractions means making the fractions as simple as possible. You can simplify fractions in a few simple steps. In this post, you will learn how to simplify fractions. So join us.

First of all, it is good to know that in simplifying fractions, the actual value of the fraction will not change.

Each fraction consists of two numbers. The number at the top of the fraction is called the numerator, and the number at the bottom of the fraction is called the denominator.

But how can you know if the fraction is as simple as possible? When a fraction is in its simplest form, its numerator and denominator can no longer be divided by the same whole number except \(1\).

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Step-by-step guide to Simplify Fractions

Step 1: First, find the common factors of the numerator and denominator. Evenly divide both the top and bottom of the fraction by the common factors \(2, 3, 5, 7\), … etc.
Step 2: You should divide the numerator and denominator by the common factors until they no longer be divided by the same whole number except \(1\). In this case, the fraction is as simple as possible.

Simplifying Fractions – Example 1:

Simplify. \( \frac{18}{24} \)

Solution:

To simplify \(\frac{18}{24}\) , find a number that both \(18\) and \(24\) are divisible by. Both are divisible by \( 6\) . Then: \(\frac{18}{24}=\frac{18 \ \div \ 6 }{24 \ \div \ 6 }=\frac{3}{4}\)

Simplifying Fractions – Example 2:

Simplify. \( \frac{72}{90} \)

Solution:

To simplify \(\frac{72}{90}\), find a number that both \(72\) and \(90\) are divisible by. Both are divisible by \(9\) and \( 18\). Then: \(\frac{72}{90}=\frac{72 \ \div 9}{ 90 \ \div \ 9 } =\frac{8}{10}\), \(8\) and \(10\) are divisible by \(2\), Then: \(\frac{8}{10}= \frac{8\ \div 2}{ 10 \ \div \ 2 }= \frac{4}{5}\)
or \(\frac{72}{90}=\frac{72 \ \div 18 }{90 \ \div 18}=\frac{4}{5}\)

Simplifying Fractions – Example 3:

Simplify. \( \frac{12}{20} \)

Solution:

To simplify \(\frac{12}{20}\), find a number that both \(12\) and \(20\) are divisible by. Both are divisible by \(4\). Then: \(\frac{12}{20}=\frac{12÷4}{20÷4}=\frac{3}{5}\)

Simplifying Fractions – Example 4:

Simplify. \( \frac{64}{80} \)

Solution:

To simplify \(\frac{64}{80}\), find a number that both \(64\) and \(80\) are divisible by. Both are divisible by \(8\) and \(16\). Then: \(\frac{64}{80}=\frac{64÷8}{80÷8}=\frac{8}{10}\) , \(8\) and \(10\) are divisible by \(2\), then: \(\frac{8}{10}= \frac{8\ \div 2}{ 10 \ \div \ 2 } =\frac{4}{5}\)
or \(\frac{64}{80}=\frac{64÷16}{80÷16}=\frac{4}{5}\)

Exercises for Simplifying Fractions

Simplify the fractions.

\(\color{blue}{\frac{22}{36}}\)
\(\color{blue}{\frac{8}{10}}\)
\(\color{blue}{\frac{12}{18}}\)
\(\color{blue}{\frac{6}{8}}\)
\(\color{blue}{\frac{13}{39}}\)
\(\color{blue}{\frac{5}{20}}\)

Download the Simplifying Fractions Worksheet

\(\color{blue}{\frac{11}{18}}\)
\(\color{blue}{\frac{4}{5}}\)
\(\color{blue}{\frac{2}{3}}\)
\(\color{blue}{\frac{3}{4}}\)
\(\color{blue}{\frac{1}{3}}\)
\(\color{blue}{\frac{1}{4}}\)

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