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MATHS IS easy
how2become.com
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HEYpresto!
SIMPLIFYING fractionsFractions can sometimes be simplified. What is meant by this is simple: fractions can be made easier, by making the numbers you are working with, smaller.
It is a good idea to turn fractions into easier ones, because it makes calculations easier.
Simplifying fractions are ultimately the same, they are just written differently.
‘Equivalent fractions’
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These are equivalent fractions!
Turning Fractions into Easier Fractions
Can be made easier?
Step 1 = start with the number 2 and ask “will it go into both numbers?”
Yes, 2 goes in the number 12 = 6 times 2 goes in the number 30 = 15 times
Step 2 = so lets write out the new fraction =
Step 3 = Now try again, can the number 2 go into both numbers?No, 2 cannot go into the number 15.
Step 4 = we are not done! Now try the next odd number, 3. Can this number go into both numbers?
Yes, 3 goes in the number 6 = 2 times 3 goes in the number 15 = 5 times.
Step 5 = now write out the new fraction = =
Step 6 = you are finished simplifying the fraction because no other odd numbers can go into 2 or 5.
Can be made easier?
Step 1 = start with the number 2 and ask “will it go into both numbers?”
Yes, 2 goes in the number 14 = 7 times 2 goes in the number 28 = 14 times
Step 2 = so lets write out the new fraction =
Step 3 = Now try again, can the number 2 go into both numbers?No, 2 cannot go into the number 7 or 14.
Step 4 = Now try the next odd number, 3. Can this number go into both numbers?
No, 3 does not go into these numbers. However, you should realised the next odd number that does go into both numbers is 7.
7 goes in the number 7 = 1 time7 goes in the number 14 = 2 times
Step 5 = now write out the new fraction = =
Practice Makes Perfect! As with the previous example, you can see that although it’s not the quickest way of
working things out, it does allow you to work out it out correctly!
With more practice, you will become quicker at simplifying numbers and working out what number can be divided into both parts of the fraction.
For example, the previous example of , you should be able to notice relatively quickly that this is equivalent to ½ because half of 28 is in fact 14.
If you are not yet comfortable with simplifying the numbers in your head, work through the steps as shown in the previous examples.
REMEMBER: Always start with trying to divide by 2. Keep dividing by 2 until you are no longer able to divide both numbers by 2. After that, divide by the next odd number (3), if that doesn’t work, try 5, then 7, then 9…
until you are no longer able to simplify the fraction.
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