Reducing Fractions

Reducing fractions involves simplifying a fraction to its simplest form by dividing both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD).

Steps to Reduce a Fraction:

1. Find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the numerator and the denominator.
2. Divide both the numerator and the denominator by the GCD.
3. The resulting fraction is the reduced form of the original fraction.

Example:

Consider the fraction 8/12. To reduce this fraction:

• The GCD of 8 and 12 is 4.
• Dividing both the numerator and the denominator by 4, we get: 8 ÷ 4 / 12 ÷ 4 = 2/3.
• So, the reduced form of 8/12 is 2/3.

Study Guide:

To effectively reduce fractions, it's important to understand the concept of the greatest common divisor (GCD) and how to find it. Here are some key points to remember:

1. Greatest Common Divisor (GCD): The largest positive integer that divides two or more numbers without leaving a remainder.
2. Finding the GCD: You can find the GCD of two numbers using methods like prime factorization, listing factors, or using the Euclidean algorithm.
3. Reducing Fractions: Once you have the GCD, divide both the numerator and the denominator of the fraction by the GCD to simplify it.

Practice reducing fractions to become more comfortable with the process. It's a fundamental skill that is useful in various mathematical calculations and applications.

[Reducing Fractions] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

• Simplify FractionsMathematics • Sixth Grade
• Exponents, Factors and FractionsMathematics • Seventh Grade
• Multiply FractionsMathematics • Sixth Grade