Are you newly introduced to fractions and want to learn how to simplify them? If yes, you have come to the right place. This article covers some of the easiest methods to reduce a fraction to its lowest form.
Simplification of fractions is not as big a problem as it is perceived by many students. If you know the right methods, dealing with any type of fraction will be just fun for you. So, if you want to master solving fractions, read this article till the end.
Understanding Fractions And The Meaning Of Its Simplification
Before we discuss the method to simplify fractions, let’s first understand what exactly a fraction is and what its simplification means. When we talk about the term "fraction," it refers to a part of a whole number that has a numerator and denominator. When the numerator is divided by the denominator of a fraction, we may get a whole number or decimal number. For example, 3/9 is one type of fraction.
When it comes to simplifying fractions, the aim is to keep reducing them until the numbers don’t get simplified further. To put it simply, simplification refers to a process that is mainly performed to get the lowest possible yet equivalent version of a fraction. For example, 1/3 is the simplest form of 3/9.
Methods To Simplify Fractions Easily
Fractions can be simplified in different ways by following a step-by-step. Among them, here are listed some of the easiest ones:
Method 1: Dividing By HCF (Highest Common Factors)
You might have learned to find the HCF before you arrive at the chapter on fractions. This basic math concept can greatly help you simplify all kinds of fractions. Let’s look at the procedure to solve fractions with the help of HCF.
Step 1: Convert the numerator and denominator into their prime factors.
Step 2: Spot the HCF among the factors of the numerator and denominator.
Step 3: Simply divide the numerator with HCF and do the same for the numerator.
Example 1.1 ( Proper Fraction ):
Reduce 18 / 27 to its simplest form.
Solution:
Prime factors of 27 = 2 x 3 x 3
Prime factors of 49 = 3 x 3 x 3
HCF of 18 and 27 = Product of all common factors = 3 x 3 = 9
Now, dividing the numerator and denominator with HCF = 9
18/27 = (18/9) / (27/9) = 2/3
So, the simplest form of 18/27 is equal to 2/3.
Example 1.2 ( Improper Fraction ):
Simplify 48 / 28
Solution:
Prime factors of 48 = 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 3
Prime factors of 28 = 2 x 2 x 7
HCF of 48 and 28 = Product of all common factors = 2 x 2 = 4
Method 3: Using Online Fractions Calculator
The easiest and simplest way to reduce the fractions to their lowest forms is by using a fraction calculator. A calculator for fractions is an automated tool that has been specifically designed for the quick and accurate simplifications of all kinds of fractions.
Nearly all such calculators require a numerator and denominator by you. As you put these values, the tool itself performs the operations that you do in manual calculations and quickly simplifies the fraction.
It eliminates the need to get involved in a manual process, which is time-consuming and error-prone. So, just input the values and let the tool simplify them for you. The results generated by the calculator don’t need further simplifications.
Wrapping Up
To put it in a nutshell, you have both manual and automated ways to simplify fractions. It is now up to you whether you use fractions calculators for precise and swift simplifications or fall into manual hassles.
