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In this worksheet, we will learn how to reduce fractions.
This process is often carried out at the end of a fraction calculation to make the fraction more simple.
If we divide the top and the bottom of a fraction by the same number we get an equivalent fraction.
This is called reducing a fraction.
When we reduce a fraction as much as possible, it is called reducing it to its lowest terms.
We do this by dividing the top and the bottom by their highest common factor.
Example 1
Reduce this fraction to its lowest terms.
| 36 |
| 45 |
Answer
We look for the highest number that goes into 36 and 45.
This will be 9, because 4 × 9 = 36 and 5 × 9 = 36.
So we divide the top and the bottom numbers by the magic number 9, to get 4 and 5.
| 36 | = | 4 |
| 45 | 5 |
We cannot reduce this any further, so the answer is:
| 4 |
| 5 |
Example 2
Reduce this fraction to its lowest terms.
| 64 |
| 96 |
Answer
Sometimes it is hard to find the highest common factor.
We look for any number that goes into 64 and 96.
This could be 8, because 8 × 8 = 64 and 12 × 8 = 96.
So we divide the top and the bottom numbers by the magic number 8, to get 8 and 12.
| 64 | = | 8 |
| 96 | 12 |
Now we reduce again by looking for the highest number that goes into 8 and 12.
This is 4, because 2 × 4 = 8 and 3 × 4 = 12.
So we divide the top and the bottom numbers by the magic number 4, to get 2 and 3.
So the answer is:
| 2 |
| 3 |
