Simplifying fractions

Name: _____________________ Date: __________

Show your thinking with numbers, words, or a drawing.

1. Write 8/20 in its simplest form.

1. 2/5

Find the biggest number that divides both 8 and 20: 4.

8 ÷ 4 = 2 and 20 ÷ 4 = 5.

So 8/20 = 2/5 in simplest form.

2. 3/5

Find the biggest number that divides both 12 and 20: 4.

12 ÷ 4 = 3 and 20 ÷ 4 = 5.

So 12/20 = 3/5 in simplest form.

3. 3/4

Find the biggest number that divides both 12 and 16: 4.

12 ÷ 4 = 3 and 16 ÷ 4 = 4.

So 12/16 = 3/4 in simplest form.

4. 1/3

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.

5. 1/4

Find the biggest number that divides both 4 and 16: 4.

4 ÷ 4 = 1 and 16 ÷ 4 = 4.

So 4/16 = 1/4 in simplest form.

Fold two equal strips of paper into different numbers of equal parts. Find two fractions that cover the same length.