What is the first step in reducing fractions to lowest terms?
The first step is to identify a common factor of the denominator and numerator. The denominator and numerator are both divided by the common factor. The division operation is repeated until there are no more factors. The fraction is said to be simplified if no more factors exit.
Why do we reduce fractions?
A fraction is said to be in its simplest form if 1 is the only common factor of its numerator and denominator. We simplify fractions because it is always to work or calculate when the fractions are in the simplest form.
How do you get rid of a fraction over a fraction?
The first step to dividing fractions is to find the reciprocal (reverse the numerator and denominator) of the second fraction. Next, multiply the two numerators. Then, multiply the two denominators. Finally, simplify the fractions if needed.
Why should fractions be reduced to their lowest terms?
One of the basic reasons why we reduce fraction to lowest terms is to lessen the burden of calculating large numbers. Of course, we would rather add or multiply and than and . So you see, the effort of multiplying the same fraction is lessen when they are reduced to lowest terms. But…
How do you reduce fractions in simplest form?
Here’s how to reduce a fraction: Break down both the numerator (top number) and denominator (bottom number) into their prime factors. Cross out any common factors. Multiply the remaining numbers to get the reduced numerator and denominator.
How do you put fraction in lowest terms?
Each worksheet has 15 fractions to reduce to lowest terms (also called expressing in lowest terms). To reduce a fraction to lowest terms, divide both the numerator and denominator by the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD) (also called the Greatest Common Factor (GCF)).
Can ratios be reduce to lowest terms?
Try to reduce the ratio further with the greatest common factor (GCF). The GCF of 40 and 25 is 5 Divide both terms by the GCF, 5: 40 ÷ 5 = 8 25 ÷ 5 = 5 The ratio 40 : 25 can be reduced to lowest terms by dividing both terms by the GCF = 5 :