Simplifying Fractions Flashcards

The process of reducing a fraction to its simplest form by dividing the numerator and denominator by their highest common factor (HCF).

The top number in a fraction, representing the part of the whole.

The bottom number in a fraction, representing the total number of equal parts.

The largest number that divides exactly into two or more numbers.

1. Find the HCF of the numerator and denominator. 2. Divide both the numerator and denominator by the HCF.

The HCF of 12 and 16 is 4. Divide both by 4: 12 ÷ 4 = 3, 16 ÷ 4 = 4. Simplified fraction: 3/4.

Break the numerator and denominator into their prime factors to find the HCF.

A fraction where the numerator is greater than or equal to the denominator.

Follow the same steps as simplifying proper fractions: divide the numerator and denominator by their HCF.

A fraction is simplified when the numerator and denominator have no common factors other than 1.