Conversion of a Fraction into its Smallest and Simplest Form

In conversion of a fraction into its smallest and simplest form are discussed here.

If the numerator and denominator of a fraction have no common factors then the fraction is considered as its smallest and simplest form, as 3/5, 2/3, 4/7, 7/11, etc., are the simplest forms of 6/10, 8/12, 20/35, 21/33 respectively.


Examples on conversion of a fraction into its smallest and simplest form:

1. Change 45/60 to its simplest form.

Solution:

45/60 = 3 x 3 x 5/3 x 2 x 2 x 5

All the factors of numerator and denominator are written;

45 = 3 x 3 x 5 and 60 = 3 x 2 x 2 x 5 (common factors are removed)

= 3/4

Thus, to get the simplest form of a fraction, the common factors of numerator and denominator are removed. 

2. Change 15/75 to its simplest form. 

Solution: 

15/75 = 3 x 5/3 x 5 x 5

All the factors of numerator and denominator are written

15 = 3 x 5 and 75 = 3 x 5 x 5 (common factors are removed)

= 1/5

Thus, to get the simplest form of a fraction, the common factors of numerator and denominator are removed.

Reducing Fraction to the Lowest Term:

You have learnt to find equivalent fractions by multiplying and diving.

Reducing Fraction

Now let us try to reduce fractions to the lowest term.

1. Fraction

9/12


÷

Common factor

3/3


= 3/4

Equivalent fraction in the lowest term.



2. Sometimes we need to divide more than once.

16/24

8/12

4/6

÷

÷

÷

2/2

2/2

2/2

= 8/12

= 4/6

= 2/3

So, 16/24 = 2/3

Therefore, 2/3 is the lowest term


3. Fraction

12/24


÷

H.C.F

12/12

Lowest Term

= 1/2

We have divided by the highest common factor

Note:

When the numerator and the denominator of the fraction cannot be divided by a factor greater than 1, the fraction is in its lowest term.

For example, 3/4, 2/3, 1/2

Related Concept

Fraction of a Whole Numbers

Representation of a Fraction

Equivalent Fractions

Properties of Equivalent Fractions

Like and Unlike Fractions

Comparison of Like Fractions

Comparison of Fractions having the same Numerator

Types of Fractions

Changing Fractions

Conversion of Fractions into Fractions having Same Denominator

Conversion of a Fraction into its Smallest and Simplest Form

Addition of Fractions having the Same Denominator

Subtraction of Fractions having the Same Denominator

Addition and Subtraction of Fractions on the Fraction Number Line







4th Grade Math Activities

From Conversion of a Fraction into its Smallest and Simplest Form to HOME PAGE




Didn't find what you were looking for? Or want to know more information about Math Only Math. Use this Google Search to find what you need.



New! Comments

Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below. Ask a Question or Answer a Question.




Share this page: What’s this?

Recent Articles

  1. Patterns in Numbers | Patterns in Maths |Math Patterns|Series Patterns

    Dec 13, 24 08:43 AM

    Complete the Series Patterns
    We see so many patterns around us in our daily life. We know that a pattern is an arrangement of objects, colors, or numbers placed in a certain order. Some patterns neither grow nor reduce but only r…

    Read More

  2. Patterns in Math | Missing Number | Counting Numbers | Worksheets

    Dec 13, 24 12:31 AM

    Finding patterns in math is very important to understand the sequence in the series. We need to find the exact missing number that from the group of numbers. The counting numbers may be counting

    Read More

  3. Concept of Pattern | Similar Patterns in Mathematics | Similar Pattern

    Dec 12, 24 11:22 PM

    Patterns in Necklace
    Concept of pattern will help us to learn the basic number patterns and table patterns. Animals such as all cows, all lions, all dogs and all other animals have dissimilar features. All mangoes have si…

    Read More

  4. 2nd Grade Geometry Worksheet | Plane and Solid Shapes | Point | Line

    Dec 12, 24 10:31 PM

    Curved Line and Straight Line
    2nd grade geometry worksheet

    Read More

  5. Types of Lines |Straight Lines|Curved Lines|Horizontal Lines| Vertical

    Dec 09, 24 10:39 PM

    Types of Lines
    What are the different types of lines? There are two different kinds of lines. (i) Straight line and (ii) Curved line. There are three different types of straight lines. (i) Horizontal lines, (ii) Ver…

    Read More