What Does "Reduce Fractions" Mean?
Reducing fractions means making them as simple as possible!
When we reduce a fraction, we find an equivalent fraction where the numerator and denominator have no common factors other than 1. It's like simplifying a fraction to its most basic form - the way we'd say "half" instead of "two fourths."
How to Reduce Fractions in 3 Easy Steps
1️⃣ Find the factors of the numerator and denominator
2️⃣ Identify the GCF (Greatest Common Factor)
3️⃣ Divide both numerator and denominator by the GCF
Let's Practice Together!
Example 1: Simplify 8/12
Step 1: Factors of 8 are 1, 2, 4, 8. Factors of 12 are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12.
Step 2: The GCF is 4.
Step 3: 8 ÷ 4 = 2 and 12 ÷ 4 = 3
Simplified fraction: \(\frac{2}{3}\)
Example 2: Simplify 15/25
Step 1: Factors of 15 are 1, 3, 5, 15. Factors of 25 are 1, 5, 25.
Step 2: The GCF is 5.
Step 3: 15 ÷ 5 = 3 and 25 ÷ 5 = 5
Simplified fraction: \(\frac{3}{5}\)
Parent Tips 🌟
- Pizza fractions: Use pizza slices to visually show how 4/8 is the same as 1/2 when you combine slices.
- Factor trees: Teach kids to create factor trees to find all factors of a number before identifying the GCF.
- Daily practice: Find fractions in real life (recipes, measurements) and challenge your child to simplify them.