Simplifying Fractions Step by Step | How To Simplify Fractions
From Math with Mr. J
12 min4th5thMath
Summary
How to simplify a fraction to lowest terms by dividing the numerator and denominator by their greatest common factor. Mr. J works through examples step by step.
Viewer safety
All ages
Our rating is a quick teacher-to-teacher guide — preview before showing.
Teaching resources
Discussion questions
A fraction is in simplest form when the top and bottom share no common factor but 1.
- What does it mean to simplify a fraction?
- How does the greatest common factor help you simplify?
- How do you know when a fraction is fully simplified?
Quick work-a-long
Words to know: simplify, lowest terms, greatest common factor
- Simplify 6/8 to lowest terms.
- Explain why 5/10 simplifies to 1/2.