What Does "Lowest Terms" Mean?
A fraction is in its lowest terms when the numerator and denominator have no common factors other than 1.
This means we've divided both the top and bottom numbers by their greatest common factor (GCF). Simplifying fractions makes them easier to work with and understand!
How to Simplify Fractions
1️⃣ Find the GCF of the numerator and denominator
2️⃣ Divide both the numerator and denominator by the GCF
3️⃣ Check your answer to make sure no more simplifying is possible
Let's Practice Together!
Example 1: Simplify \(\frac{8}{12}\)
What's the greatest common factor of 8 and 12?
Step 1: Factors of 8 are 1, 2, 4, 8
Factors of 12 are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12
GCF is 4!
Step 2: \(\frac{8 ÷ 4}{12 ÷ 4} = \frac{2}{3}\)
\(\frac{2}{3}\) is in lowest terms!
Example 2: Which fraction is simplified?
Click on the fraction that's already in its lowest terms:
Parent Tips 🌟
- Use real-world examples: Show how simplifying fractions helps when sharing pizza slices or dividing candy bars equally.
- Factor finding game: Make a game out of finding factors - time your child to see how quickly they can list all factors of a number.
- Check with division: Encourage your child to always check if both numerator and denominator can be divided by 2, 3, 5, etc., to find the GCF.