fractionsDecimals · Year 6 · AC9M6N03
Simplifying fractions
Simplifying means writing a fraction with the smallest possible numbers while keeping the same value. Find the highest number that divides both the top and the bottom, then divide both by it. For 8/12, the highest common factor is 4: 8 ÷ 4 = 2 and 12 ÷ 4 = 3, so 8/12 = 2/3. You must divide the top and the bottom by the same number. A fraction is in simplest form when no number bigger than 1 divides both parts — if it still can be divided, keep going.
Sample questions
Write 4/20 in its simplest form.
- Find the biggest number that divides both 4 and 20: 4.
- 4 ÷ 4 = 1 and 20 ÷ 4 = 5.
- So 4/20 = 1/5 in simplest form.
Answer: 1/5
Write 8/12 in its simplest form.
- Find the biggest number that divides both 8 and 12: 4.
- 8 ÷ 4 = 2 and 12 ÷ 4 = 3.
- So 8/12 = 2/3 in simplest form.
Answer: 2/3
Write 4/12 in its simplest form.
- Find the biggest number that divides both 4 and 12: 4.
- 4 ÷ 4 = 1 and 12 ÷ 4 = 3.
- So 4/12 = 1/3 in simplest form.
Answer: 1/3