How to Simplify Fractions
Support Page
Welcome to the Math Salamanders support page about
How to Simplify Fractions.
Here you will find information and support about
how to convert a fraction into its simplest form.
Simplify Fraction Calculator
We have a simplify fraction calculator which will convert any fraction into its simplest form.
The calculator will also show you detailed working out to show how to get the answer.
Converting Fractions to Simplest Form Video
This short video clip will show you how to reduce 4 different fractions into simplest form.
How to Simplify Fractions Information
Here you will find some simple information and advice about how to simplify a fraction.
At the bottom of this page you will also find a printable resource sheet and some practice sheets which will help you understand and practice this math skill.
Using these sheets will help your child to:
- understand simplest form;
- develop their knowledge of equivalent fractions.
All the Printable Fraction sheets in this section support Elementary Math Benchmarks for 4th Grade.
How to Simplify Fractions Support
To simplify a fraction, you need to follow the 2 steps below:
Step 1
Look for a common factor of both the numerator and denominator.
- If there are no common factors (other than 1) then the fraction is already in its simplest form and you have finished.
- Try to find the highest factor of both numbers (highest common factor) that you can!
Step 2
Reduce the numerator and denominator by dividing them both by the common factor. Now go back to Step 1.
Your fraction should now be in its simplest form.
Convert Fractions to Simplest Form printable sheet
Here is a printable version of the support sheet.
How To Simplify a Fraction Examples
Example 1) Convert into simplest form the fraction \[ {35 \over 45} \]
A common factor of both numbers is 5, so we need to divide the numerator and denominator by 5.
This gives us \[ {35 \over 45} \; = \; {35 ÷ 5 \over 45 ÷ 5 } \; = \; {7 \over 9} \]
There are no more common factors (except 1) and so this fraction is now in simplest form.
Final answer \[ {35 \over 45} \; = \; {7 \over 9} \]
Example 2) Convert into simplest form the fraction \[ {68 \over 220} \]
A common factor of both numbers is 2, so we need to divide the numerator and denominator by 2.
This gives us \[ {68 \over 220} \; = \; {68 ÷ 2 \over 220 ÷ 2 } \; = \; {34 \over 110} \]
We are not finished yet, because 2 is still a common factor of both numbers.
Canceling the common factor of 2 gives us \[ {34 \over 110} \; = \; {34 ÷ 2 \over 110 ÷ 2 } \; = \; {17 \over 55} \]
There are no more common factors (except 1) and so this fraction is now in simplest form.
Final answer \[ {68 \over 220} \; = \; {17 \over 55} \]
Note - a quicker way to simplify this fraction would be to have divided the numerator and denominator by 4 as this is a higher common factor than 2.
Example 3) Convert into simplest form the fraction \[ {120 \over 75} \]
A common factor of both numbers is 5, so we need to divide the numerator and denominator by 5.
This gives us \[ {120 \over 75} \; = \; {120 ÷ 5 \over 75 ÷ 5 } \; = \; {24 \over 15} \]
We are not finished yet, because 3 is a common factor of both numbers.
Canceling the common factor of 3 gives us \[ {24 \over 15} \; = \; {24 ÷ 3 \over 15 ÷ 3 } \; = \; {8 \over 5} \]
There are no more common factors (except 1) and so this fraction is now in simplest form.
Final answer \[ {120 \over 75} \; = \; {8 \over 5} \]
Note - we could have simplified this fraction more quickly by seeing that the highest common factor was 15, and divided the numerator and denominator by this number first.
Simplifying Fractions Practice Zone
Take a look at our NEW Simplifying Fractions Practice Zone for finding the simplest form for a range of fractions.
You can choose from proper fractions, improper fractions or both.
You can print out your results or benchmark your scores against future achievements.
Great for using with a group of children as well as individually.
Simplifying Fractions Worksheets
Here you will find some practice sheets to test your skills at converting fractions to simplest form.
Greatest Common Factor Calculator
Our Greatest Common Factor calculator will tell you the highest common factor between 2 or more numbers.
If you type in the numerator and denominator of a fraction you want to simplify, the calculator will tell you which is the highest factor to divide them both by.
This will allow you to convert the fraction to simplest form in one quick go!
It will also list the factors of each of the numbers and tell you whether they are coprime or not.
Learning Fractions Math Help Page
Here you will find the Math Salamanders free online Math help pages about Fractions.
There is a wide range of help pages including help with:
- fraction definitions;
- equivalent fractions;
- converting improper fractions;
- how to add and subtract fractions;
- how to convert fractions to decimals and percentages;
- how to simplify fractions.
How to Print or Save these sheets
Need help with printing or saving?
Follow these 3 steps to get your worksheets printed perfectly!
How to Print or Save these sheets
Need help with printing or saving?
Follow these 3 steps to get your worksheets printed perfectly!
Return to Free Math Help Online
Return from How to Simplify Fractions Support to Math Salamanders Homepage
Math-Salamanders.com
The Math Salamanders hope you enjoy using these free printable Math worksheets and all our other Math games and resources.
We welcome any comments about our site or worksheets on the Facebook comments box at the bottom of every page.
New! Comments
Have your say about the Math resources on this page! Leave me a comment in the box below.