Simplifying fractions
Some fractions can be made 'simpler'.
Simplifying means that the numerator and denominator can be smaller numbers.
But the overall value of the fraction is not changed.

Activity: simplifying fractions
Complete this interactive activity to learn more about simplifying fractions and then put your knowledge to the test with a quiz.
Simplifying a fraction
Some fractions can be made 'simpler'.
This means that the numerator and denominator can be smaller numbers, but the overall value of the fraction is not changed.
For example, the fraction \(\frac{4}{8}\) has the same value as \(\frac{2}{4}\), which has the same value as \(\frac{1}{2}\).

When you are simplifying fractions, you are looking for a number that you can divide the numerator and the denominator by.

Sometimes, you will be able to simplify a fraction into a unit fraction (a fraction with a numerator of one), but not always.
Example 1

What can you divide \(\frac{2}{10}\) by to simplify the fraction?
✓ You can divide the numerator and the denominator by 2.
So, 2 divided by 2 is 1 and 10 divided by 2 is 5.
\(\frac{2}{10}\) is equivalent to \(\frac{1}{5}\).
\(\frac{1}{5}\) has the same value as \(\frac{2}{10}\), it's just written in a simpler form.

Example 2

Can you simplify the fraction \(\frac{6}{9}\)?
✓ You can divide the numerator and the denominator by 3.
This gives you the fraction \(\frac{2}{3}\).
\(\frac{2}{3}\) is equivalent to \(\frac{6}{9}\) but it's in a simpler form.

Example 3
You can simplify using more than one step.

How can you simplify the fraction \(\frac{18}{24}\)?
✓ You can divide 18 and 24 by 2.
This will give you the fraction \(\frac{9}{12}\).
You can then simplify that further and divide the numerator and denominator by 3, to give \(\frac{3}{4}\).
Or, in one step you can divide the numerator and the denominator by 6.
Either way, the simplest form of \(\frac{18}{24}\) is \(\frac{3}{4}\).

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More on Fractions
Find out more by working through a topic
- count5 of 5

- count1 of 5

- count2 of 5

- count3 of 5
