How to reduce Fractions to Lowest Terms

A fraction is in its lowest or simplest term when the numerator and denominator have no common factors other than 1. We achieve this by dividing the numerator and denominator by its Greatest Common Factor (GCF), also called the Greatest Common Divisor (GFD).

Examples

Fraction-to-lowest-term

Problem 1:
 `2/3`

Explanation:

Find the factors of `18` and `27`.

Fraction example 2

Now we reduce the fraction by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their greatest common factor, that is, `9`.


`18/ 27 = 2/3`


`2/3` is in its lowest form since `2` and `3` have no common factors other than `1`.

Problem 2:
 `9/14`

Explanation:

Find the factors of `36` and `56`.

Fraction example 3

Now we reduce the fraction by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their greatest common factor, that is, `4`.


`36/56 = 9/14`


`9/14` is in its lowest form since `9` and `14` have no common factors other than `1`.

Problem 3:
 `5/6`

Explanation:

Find the factors of `55` and `66`.

Fraction example 4

Now we reduce the fraction by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their greatest common factor, that is, `11`.


`55/66 = 5/6`


`5/6` is in its lowest form since `5` and 6have no common factors other than `1`.






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