REDUCING FRACTIONS
Definition Of Reducing Fractions
Reducing a Fraction means dividing both the numerator and the denominator by its greatest common factors.
More About Reducing Fractions
Reducing a fraction is nothing but simplifying the fraction.
Following steps are followed to reduce a fraction:
1. First find the greatest common factors between both the numerator and the denominator of the fraction
2. Then divide both the numerator and the denominator by the greatest common factor.
Video Examples: Reducing Fractions
Example of Reducing Fractions
To reduce the fraction 4/24, following steps can be followed:
First list out all the factors of numerator (4) and denominator (24).
Factors of 4 are 1, 2, and 4
Factors of 24 are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24
Then find the greatest common factors of 4 and 24. The greatest common factor of 4 and 24 is 4. So, we have to divide both the numerator and the denominator of the fraction 4/24 by 4.
4/24 = 
= 1/6 , which is the reduced fraction.
Solved Example on Reducing Fractions
Ques: George ate 3/9 of all the cookies that he bought on a particular day. Express the fraction in its simplest form.
Choices:
Correct Answer: D
Solution:
Step 1: As 3 and 9 have common factors other than 1, simplify the fraction by dividing both the numerator and the denominator by a common factor.
Step 2: 3/9 = 
= 1/3 [Simplify the fraction by dividing 3 and 9 by 3.]
Step 3: So, the simplified form of the fraction 3/9 is 1/3.
Quick Summary
- Reducing a fraction simplifies it.
- Find the greatest common factor (GCF) of the numerator and denominator.
- Divide both the numerator and denominator by the GCF.
🍎 Teacher Insights
Use visual aids like fraction bars to demonstrate the concept of reducing fractions. Emphasize finding the greatest common factor rather than just any common factor.🎓 Prerequisites
- Basic division
- Factors
- Greatest Common Factor (GCF)
Check Your Knowledge
Q1: Reduce the fraction 4/24 to its simplest form.
Q2: What is the greatest common factor of 3 and 9?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do we reduce fractions?
A: Reducing fractions makes them easier to understand and compare. It expresses the fraction in its simplest form.
Q: What if the GCF is 1?
A: If the GCF is 1, the fraction is already in its simplest form and cannot be reduced further.