What is the Greatest Common Factor used for?

To simplify fractions (and algebra later in math.)

Simplest Form Fractions

Simplest form means that the numerator and denominator are as small as possible, yet the value of the fraction is still the same (equal).

Simplest form

You will hear people describe simplest form 3 ways.

1. Simplest form

2. Lowest terms

3. Reduced fractions

All three of these terms mean the exact same thing...a fraction that has the smallest numerator and denominator possible.

Simplest Form

All of these fractions are equivalent, but 1/2 is the one that is in the most simplest form. Fractions in their simplest form are more practical in real life!

One way to find simplest form...

​

Find the greatest common factor and divide.

Another way to find simplest form...

​

Keep dividing until the only thing you can divide by is 1.

There is nothing that will go into both 3 and 5, so the fraction cannot be divided any more. It is now in simplest form!