simplify a fraction

A fraction is said to be in its simplest form when the numerator and denominator can’t be any less.

We do this by dividing the numerator and denominator by the highest number possible. This number must divide exactly into both the numerator and denominator.

For example, we can simplify by dividing the numerator and denominator by 5. This gives .

‘Simplifying a fraction’ is sometimes referred to as ‘cancelling a fraction’ or ‘reducing a fraction’.