Simplifying fractions means reducing them to their simplest form, where the numerator (top number) and the denominator (bottom number) have no common factors other than 1. Here's how you can simplify fractions step-by-step:

How to Simplify Fractions

Step 1: Find the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD)

• Identify the greatest common divisor (also called greatest common factor) of the numerator and denominator.
• The GCD is the largest number that divides both the numerator and denominator evenly.

Step 2: Divide Numerator and Denominator by the GCD

• Divide both the numerator and the denominator by the GCD.
• The resulting fraction is the simplified form.

Example

Simplify the fraction 18/24 :

1. Find the GCD of 18 and 24.
   • Factors of 18: 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 18
   • Factors of 24: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24
   • Common factors: 1, 2, 3, 6
   • Greatest common factor: 6
2. Divide numerator and denominator by 6:
   • Numerator: 18 ÷ 6 = 3
   • Denominator: 24 ÷ 6 = 4
3. Simplified fraction: 3/4

Tips

• If the numerator is 0, the fraction is already simplified (0 divided by any number is 0).
• If the numerator and denominator are the same, the fraction simplifies to 1.
• Use prime factorization if you have trouble finding the GCD.
• Some fractions cannot be simplified further if the GCD is 1.

If you want, I can help you simplify a specific fraction!