To reduce a fraction to its lowest terms, divide the numerator and denominator by the greatest common factor. This time, it takes only one step to get to the same result. The factors of 36 are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 12, 18.ĭivide the numerator and denominator by the greatest common factor: 30 6/36 6 = 5/6 What would have happened if, instead of dividing the numerator and denominator by their lowest common factor, we had started with their greatest common factor? Method #2: Greatest Common Factorĭo 30 and 36 share any factors other than 1? The factors of 30 are 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 10, 15. This method will reduce a fraction to its lowest terms, but it can take several steps until you reach that point. 15 3/18 3 = 5/6Īre we done? Do 5 and 6 share any factors other than 1? The factors of 5 are 1 and 5.ĥ and 6 have no common factors other than 1. Once again, we divide the numerator and denominator by their common factor, 3. (In fact, we'd know that they have 2 as a common factor without having to work out all their factors, because both 30 and 36 are even numbers.) 30 2/36 2 = 15/18Īre we done? Do 15 and 18 share any factors other than 1? The factors of 15 are 1, 3, 5, 15. Let's see what happens if we divide the numerator and denominator by their lowest common factor, 2. Method #1: Common Factorsĭo 30 and 36 share any factors other than 1? The factors of 30 are 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 10, 15, 30. 2 2/4 2 = 1/2ġ and 2 have no common factor other than 1, so the fraction is in lowest terms. We can reduce this fraction by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their common factor, 2.

However, only one of these fractions is written in lowest terms.Ī fraction is in lowest terms when the numerator and denominator have no common factor other than 1. One half of an orange is equal to two quarters of an orange.

These fractions are equivalent fractions.

Consider the following two fractions: 1/2 and 2/4

What is half of 1 3