What we are trying to teach you in this section is how to write a known fractional value in the lowest terms possible. This helps us simplify the math before we process operations between fractions. The goal is to get the numerator (top number) and denominator (bottom number) to a value where no number exists that can be evenly divide into both of those values, outside of the number one. If the denominator and numerator are even, I like to cheat and right away divide both by two. The best way to do this is start by writing the factors of both the numerator and denominator. Identify the greatest common factor (GCF) they share, divide both by it. At first this is pretty difficult, but it gets much easier with some healthy practice. These can also be referred to as reducing fractions worksheets as well. We are focused on trying to get each fraction or mixed number into the lowest form possible. To do this we first have to create an improper fraction, if it is a mixed number. After that your last step is to find the greatest common factor between both the top and bottom of the fraction. Divide that factor into both and viola, you are done!
This section of worksheets will lead us on to proportions and ratios. These worksheets explain how simplify fractions using the greatest common factor and visual representation. Your students will use these worksheets to simplify fractions by themselves, as part of mixed numbers, or as part of expressions.
