Instructions
To simplify a fraction (also called reducing it), you need to find the largest number that divides evenly into both the numerator (the top number) and the denominator (the bottom number). This number is the Greatest Common Factor (GCF).
Once you find the GCF, divide both the numerator and the denominator by it to get your simplified fraction.
Example: Simplify the fraction 12⁄18.
The GCF of 12 and 18 is 6.
12 ÷ 6 = 2
18 ÷ 6 = 3
So, the simplified fraction is 2⁄3.
Part 1: Warm-Up - Find the Greatest Common Factor (GCF)
Before you simplify, let's practice finding the GCF for each pair of numbers.
- 15 and 25 → GCF = _______________
- 24 and 32 → GCF = _______________
- 18 and 45 → GCF = _______________
- 42 and 70 → GCF = _______________
Part 2: Simplify the Fractions
Simplify each fraction to its lowest terms. Show your final answer in the box provided.
| a) 810 = | b) 927 = | c) 1421 = |
| d) 2050 = | e) 1648 = | f) 3549 = |
| g) 2436 = | h) 1155 = | i) 3075 = |
| j) 5664 = | k) 1320 = | l) 4581 = |
Part 3: Word Problem Challenge
At a local animal shelter, there are 48 animals. Of those animals, 18 are dogs. What fraction of the animals at the shelter are dogs? Write your answer in its simplest form.
Answer: ___________________
Answer Key
Part 1: Warm-Up - Find the Greatest Common Factor (GCF)
- 15 and 25 → GCF = 5
- 24 and 32 → GCF = 8
- 18 and 45 → GCF = 9
- 42 and 70 → GCF = 14
Part 2: Simplify the Fractions
| a) 4⁄5 | b) 1⁄3 | c) 2⁄3 |
| d) 2⁄5 | e) 1⁄3 | f) 5⁄7 |
| g) 2⁄3 | h) 1⁄5 | i) 2⁄5 |
| j) 7⁄8 | k) 13⁄20 (already simplest form) | l) 5⁄9 |
Part 3: Word Problem Challenge
The starting fraction is 18⁄48. The GCF of 18 and 48 is 6.
18 ÷ 6 = 3
48 ÷ 6 = 8
Answer: 3⁄8