Reducing Fractions

Objective

Know how reduce a fraction

Example

Reduce.

Answer:

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Explanation

To reduce a fraction, divide the numerator and denominator by a common factor until the only common factor is 1.

108 ÷ 9 = 12

144 ÷ 9 = 16

12 ÷ 4 = 3

16 ÷ 4 = 4

Note that it doesn't matter which factors you use. As long as they are common factors you will get the right answer

108 ÷ 3 = 36

144 ÷ 3 = 48

36 ÷ 2 = 18

48 ÷ 2 = 24

18 ÷ 6 = 3

24 ÷ 6 = 4

To only have to divide one time, use the GCF. However, sometimes finding the GCF is harder than just dividing many times with smaller common factors.

108 ÷ 36 = 3

144 ÷ 36 = 4

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Examples

Example 1

Reduce the following fraction. Leave as a proper or improper fraction (Don't convert to a mixed number)

20 ÷ 2 = 10

16 ÷ 2 = 8

10 ÷ 2 = 5

8 ÷ 2 = 4

Answer:

Example 2

Reduce the following fraction. Leave as a proper or improper fraction (Don't convert to a mixed number)

36 ÷ 12 = 3

48 ÷ 12 = 4

Answer:

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Ready?