Simplifying Fractions

* A fraction contains two numbers separated by a bar between them. The bottom number, called the denominator, is the total number of equally divided portions in one whole. The top number, called the numerator, is how many portions you have. And the bar represent the operation of division.

* Simplifying a fraction means reducing it to the lowest terms. To simplify a fraction, evenly divide both the top and bottom of the fractions by 2, 3, 5, 7,...etc.

* Continue until you can't go any farther.

Solution: To simplify  $\frac{18}{30}$  , find a number that both 18 and 30 are divisible by. Both are divisible by 6. Then  $\frac{18}{30}=\frac{18\div6}{30\div6}=\frac{3}{5}$  

Solution: To simplify  $\frac{32}{80}$ , find a number that both 32 and 80 are divisible by. Both are divisible by 8 and 16. Then  $\frac{32}{80}=\frac{32\div8}{80\div8}=\frac{4}{10}$ , 4 and 10 are divisible by 2, then:  $\frac{4}{10}=\frac{2}{5}\ or\ \frac{32}{80}=\ \frac{32\div16}{80\div16}=\frac{2}{5}$  

Solution: To simplify  $\frac{40}{120}$ , find a number that both 40 and 120 are divisible by. Both are divisible by 40, then:  $\frac{40}{20}=\frac{40\div40}{120\div40}=\frac{1}{3}$