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What Does it Mean to Simplify a Fraction?

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What Does it Mean to Simplify a Fraction?

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Hey students! Today we're going to learn about simplifying fractions. A fraction is simplified (or in lowest terms) when the numerator and denominator cannot be divided evenly by any number except 1. For example, 6/8 can be simplified to 3/4 because both 6 and 8 can be divided by 2.

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Finding the Greatest Common Factor (GCF)

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Finding the Greatest Common Factor (GCF)

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To simplify fractions, we need to find the Greatest Common Factor (GCF) of the numerator and denominator. The GCF is the largest number that divides evenly into both numbers. List out the factors of each number and find the largest one they share!

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Greatest Common Factor | How to Find the Greatest Common Factor (GCF)

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Step 1: Find factors of 12: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12
Step 2: Find factors of 18: 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 18
Step 3: Identify the GCF: 6
Step 4: Divide both numbers by 6
12 ÷ 6 = 2
18 ÷ 6 = 3
Therefore, 12/18 = 2/3

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Try simplifying this fraction: 15/25

Hint: What's the largest number that goes into both 15 and 25?

(I'll post the answer in the comments tomorrow!)

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Want more practice? Check out these fun online games to master fraction simplification! These interactive tools will help you become a fraction simplifying expert.

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In this lesson, students will reduce fractions into simplest form. They can do this by dividing the numerator and denominator by the same number (called a common factor). If at least one number in the fraction is a prime number, the fraction has been reduced into simplest terms.

Most questions feature a graphic that represents a fraction. Students must determine what fraction is shown and then rewrite it in simplest form. For other questions, they will be given several fractions and they'll have to choose which one is (or is not) reduced. There's also a bank of word problems.

While we consider I Know It a math practice website, students see it as an entertaining (but challenging) math game. There's a score tracker in the upper-right hand part of the screen. When they answer correctly, the animated cartoon character does a cute little dance. If a student needs extra help, he or she can click the "hint" button in the lower-left. When a question is answered incorrectly, a detailed explanation will appear on the screen.

For students who have difficulty reading, or for ESL/ELL students, there is a speaker icon in the upper-right. When you click it, the question is read aloud in a clear voice.

We hope that our interactive game makes it enjoyable for students to practice reducing fractions. Give it a try! And don't forget to browse more of our 3rd grade math games.

You may play the lesson for free in the area above, however you may be limited to only 25 questions. To access the complete lesson, you'll need to be a member of this website.

Members are able to create student logins, view scores for completed lessons, adjust lesson settings, and access student progress reports.

When students log in with their own accounts, the grade levels are masked. They'll simply see "Level A," Level B," "Level C," etc. The student interface has large, easy-to-read icons that help students find their assignments easily.

We've classified this as a Level C lesson that may be appropriate for 3rd, 4th, or 5th grades.

3.NF.3
Number And Operations: Fractions
Students should understand that fractions are equal if they are represented by similar sized number strips, or if they are located at the same point on a number line.

Equivalent Fractions (Level C)
In this activity, students will find equivalent fractions. Questions feature number strip graphics, divided shape illustrations, tape diagrams, as well as missing numerator questions.

Improper Fractions to Mixed Numbers (Level D)
Improper Fractions to Mixed Numbers
Practice converting mixed numbers into improper fractions. There are standard numerical problems as well as word problems.

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In this interactive math game, students write fractions in simplest form. Questions include graphical illustrations, hints, explanations, and a scoring system.

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You will now write your own word problem that uses fractions! This can be a real life story or a made up one! Write a fraction story and describe the scenerio. Add a photo or drawing that helps to illustrate your story!

This could be sharing a pizza, a cookie recipe or buying a certain amount of fabric! Be creative!