Write fractions in lowest terms

Key Notes :

🟣 What is “Lowest Terms”?

A fraction is in lowest terms when the numerator and denominator cannot be divided by the same number anymore.
👉 Example: 4/8 → 1/2 ✔️

🔵 Use the GCD (Greatest Common Divisor)

To simplify a fraction, divide the top and bottom by the greatest number that divides both.
✨ Example:

  • GCD of 12 and 16 is 4
  • Simplified: 12/16 → 3/4 🎯

🟢 Steps to Write in Lowest Terms

🧩 Step 1: Find the common factors

List factors of numerator and denominator.

🧩 Step 2: Identify the greatest common factor (GCF)

Choose the biggest factor that both share.

🧩 Step 3: Divide

Divide both numerator and denominator by the GCF.
🌟 Now your fraction is simplified!

🟠 When a Fraction is Already in Lowest Terms

If the numerator and denominator have no common factors other than 1, the fraction is already simplified!
✨ Example: 5/7 ✔️ (Cannot be reduced)

🔴 Important Tip

If both numbers are even, you can simplify at least one time!
👉 Example: 10/14 → 5/7 🎉

💛 Why We Simplify Fractions?

✔️ Makes fractions easier to understand
✔️ Helps in addition, subtraction, and comparison
✔️ Makes your answer cleaner and correct

💡 Examples to Practice

1️⃣ 18/24 → 3/4
2️⃣ 9/12 → 3/4
3️⃣ 6/15 → 2/5
4️⃣ 21/49 → 3/7

Learn with an example

😮 Write 2/8 in 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 2/4 in lowest terms.

Find the largest number that divides both the numerator and the denominator. The largest number that divides both 2 and 4 is 2. Divide the numerator and denominator by 2.

2 ÷ 2 = 1

4 ÷ 2 = 2

2/4  written in lowest terms is  1/2 .

😮 Write 6/9 in lowest terms.

Find the largest number that divides both the numerator and the denominator. The largest number that divides both 6 and 9 is 3. Divide the numerator and denominator by 3.

6 ÷ 3 = 2

9 ÷ 3 = 3

6/9  written in lowest terms is  2/3

Try some practice problems!