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✂️ Simplifying Fractions

Find equivalent fractions, divide by the greatest common factor, and write every fraction in its simplest form.

3
lessons
~15 min
to learn
🔢 Math
subject
Ages 6–12
level
Start the course →

What you’ll learn

  1. Equivalent FractionsRecognize equivalent fractions and build them by multiplying top and bottom by the same number.Equivalent fractions name the same amount, like 2/4 and 1/2, and they sit at the same spot on a ruler or number line. To build one, multiply the top and bottom by the same number; what you do to the top you must do to the bottom.
  2. Finding the Biggest FactorSimplify a fraction by dividing the numerator and denominator by their greatest common factor.To simplify, divide the top and bottom by a shared factor. Using the greatest common factor gets you there in one step: 8 and 12 share a greatest factor of 4, so 8/12 = 2/3. You could also divide by smaller factors more than once and reach the same simplest form.
  3. Simplest FormIdentify when a fraction is in simplest form and rewrite fractions in simplest form.A fraction is in simplest form when the top and bottom share no factor except 1. Fractions like 4/6, 6/9, and 10/15 can still shrink (all to 2/3), while 2/3, 3/5, and 5/8 are already done. Dividing by the greatest common factor lands you in simplest form fastest.

Questions this course answers

2/4 and 1/2 name the same amount. What are such fractions called?

Fractions that name the same amount are equivalent fractions.

To make an equivalent fraction, you should...?

Multiplying or dividing both the top and bottom by the same number keeps the value the same.

What is the greatest common factor of 8 and 12?

8 and 12 share the factors 1, 2, and 4; the greatest is 4.

Which fraction is ALREADY in simplest form?

3 and 5 share no factor but 1, so 3/5 cannot be simplified.

Grounded in trusted sources

  • Khan Academy
  • Math is Fun
  • Britannica Kids
  • NCTM — Illuminations

Every Wunder lesson is built from real, reputable sources — never invented.

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