Mathematics - Class ...
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Math - Class 6 - Simplifying Fractions / Reducing Fractions to Simplest Form / Simplify Fractions / Fraction in Lowest Terms - Key Points/Notes/Worksheets/Explanation/Lesson Tags: What is Simplest Form? How do you write a fraction in simplest form? How do you simplify fractions step by step? How do you reduce a fraction step by step? Writing Fractions in Simplest Form for Grade 6, Free worksheet PDF on simplest form for sixth standard, Simplifying Fractions for Class VI, Example, Practice Page, and solution on simplifying fractions.
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Simplifying Fractions
Fraction is said to be in the simplest (or lowest) form if its numerator and denominator have no common factor except 1.
To simplify a fraction, we can divide the top and bottom of the given number by the highest common factor (HCF) of the numerator and denominator.
Let’s consider fraction 15/75.
Find HCF of 15 and 75.
5
15, 75
3
3, 15
1, 5
HCF of 15 and 75 = 5 x 3 = 15
Now, divide the top and bottom of the given number by 15.
Therefore,
1/5 fraction is in lowest term.
Example 1: Write the simplest form of 16/72.
Solution: HCF of 16 and 72.
2
16, 72
2
8, 36
2
4, 18
2, 9
HCF of 16 and 72 = 2 x 2 x 2 = 8
Now, divide the top and bottom of the given number by 8.
Therefore,
2/9 fraction is in lowest term.
Example 2: Write the simplest form of 17/51.
Solution: HCF of 17 and 51.
17
17, 51
1, 3
HCF of 17 and 51 = 17
Now, divide the top and bottom of the given number by 17.
Therefore,
1/3 fraction is in lowest term.
Example 3: Write the simplest form of 42/28.
Solution: HCF of 42 and 28.
2
42, 28
7
21, 14
3, 2
HCF of 42 and 28 = 2 x 7 = 14
Now, divide the top and bottom of the given number by 14.
Therefore,
3/2 fraction is in lowest term.
Example 4: Reduce the fraction 48/60 to simplest form.
Solution: HCF of 48 and 60.
2
48, 60
2
24, 30
3
12, 15
4, 5
HCF of 48 and 60 = 2 x 2 x 3 = 12
Now, divide the top and bottom of the given number by 12.
Therefore,
4/5 fraction is in lowest term.
Example 5: Is 49/64 in its simplest form?
Solution: HCF of 49 and 64.
1
49, 64
49, 64
HCF of 49 and 64 = 1
Fraction is in the simplest (or lowest) form because numerator and denominator of the given number have no common factor except 1.
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