Write fractions in the lowest terms
Key Notes :
📌 What is a Fraction in Lowest Terms?
A fraction is in lowest terms when numerator and denominator have no common factors except 1.
Example: ✅ 3/4 (cannot be simplified)
Example: ❌ 6/8 (can be simplified to 34\frac{3}{4}43)
🔢 Steps to Simplify a Fraction:
Find the GCF (Greatest Common Factor) of numerator and denominator. 🧮
Divide numerator and denominator by their GCF. ✂️
Write the new fraction — this is in lowest terms. 🎯
🧩 Example 1:
Simplify 12/16
GCF of 12 and 16 = 4
Divide both by 4 → 12÷4/16÷4 = 3/4 ✅
🧩 Example 2:
Simplify 45/60
GCF of 45 and 60 = 15
Divide both by 15 → 45÷15/60÷15=3/4 ✅
💡 Tips & Tricks:
If numerator is 1, fraction is already in lowest terms. ✨
If numerator and denominator are prime numbers, fraction is already in lowest terms. 🏆
Use factor trees to find GCF quickly. 🌳
Check your answer: no more common factors except 1. ✅
🎨 Fun Visual Tip:
Draw circles or blocks for numerator and denominator to see common factors visually. 👀
Learn with an example
➡️ Write 3/9 in lowest terms.
_____ / _____
Find the largest number that divides both the numerator and the denominator. The largest number that divides both 3 and 9 is 3. Divide the numerator and denominator by 3.
3 ÷ 3 = 1
9 ÷ 3 = 3
3/9 written in lowest terms is 1/3.
➡️ Write 2/8 in the lowest terms.
____ / ____
Find the largest number that divides both the numerator and the denominator. The largest number that divides both 2 and 8 is 2. Divide the numerator and denominator by 2.
2 ÷ 2 = 1
8 ÷ 2 = 4
2/8 written in lowest terms is 1/4.
➡️ Write 1/3 in the lowest terms.
_____ /____
Find the largest number that divides both the numerator and the denominator. The largest number that divides both 1 and 3 is 1. This fraction is already written in the lowest terms.
Let’s practice!🖊️
