Reducing Fractions
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We can simplify a fraction by reducing it to its lowest term. That means to divide the numerator and denominator with the same number until the only common factor is 1, for example:
Usually, we divide the numerator and the denominator by the greatest common factor.
Example :
Express 
in lowest terms.
Solution:
Step 1: Find the greatest common factor of the numerator and the denominator.
12: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12
30: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 10, 15, 30
The GCF is 6
Step 2: Divide the numerator and denominator of the fraction by the GCF.
is in lowest terms.
Reducing Fractions
This video shows how to reduce a fraction to lowest terms by using multiplication and cancellation.
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