What is fraction reduction?
Reducing a fraction means dividing both its numerator and denominator by the same number greater than one. The result is a fraction equal to the original but in a simpler form. A fraction is called irreducible (in lowest terms) when its numerator and denominator share no common factors other than 1.
To reduce a fraction to lowest terms in a single step, divide both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD).
How to reduce a fraction
- Find the GCD of the numerator and denominator.
- Divide the numerator by the GCD.
- Divide the denominator by the GCD.
- If the GCD equals 1, the fraction is already in lowest terms.
Example 1. Reduce 18/24
- Find GCD(18, 24) = 6
- Divide the numerator: 18 ÷ 6 = 3
- Divide the denominator: 24 ÷ 6 = 4
18
24
=
18 ÷ 6
24 ÷ 6
=
3
4
Example 2. Irreducible fraction 7/13
- Find GCD(7, 13) = 1
- GCD is 1 — the fraction is already in lowest terms
7
13
— already in lowest terms