Simplifying Fractions
Enter a fraction to reduce it to its lowest terms.
📐 How to Simplify Fractions
To reduce a fraction to its lowest terms, you divide both the numerator (top) and denominator (bottom) by their Greatest Common Divisor (GCD).
The Formula:
Numerator ÷ GCD / Denominator ÷ GCD = Simplified Fraction
Example: Simplify 24/36
1. Find the factors of 24: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24
2. Find the factors of 36: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 12, 18, 36
3. The largest shared number is 12.
(24 ÷ 12) / (36 ÷ 12) = 2/3
📊 Common Simplified Fractions
| Original | Divide By (GCD) | Simplified |
|---|---|---|
| 5/10 | 5 | 1/2 |
| 4/8 | 4 | 1/2 |
| 6/9 | 3 | 2/3 |
| 12/16 | 4 | 3/4 |
| 10/100 | 10 | 1/10 |
| 25/100 | 25 | 1/4 |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does "lowest terms" mean?
A fraction is in lowest terms when the only number that can divide both the numerator and denominator evenly is 1.
2. How do I find the GCD?
List all the factors (numbers that divide evenly) for both numbers. The largest number that appears in both lists is the GCD.
3. What if the fraction cannot be simplified?
If the GCD is 1, the fraction is already in its simplest form (e.g., 3/7, 11/13).
4. Can I simplify improper fractions?
Yes. For example, 10/4 simplifies to 5/2. This can then be converted to the mixed number 2 1/2.