Simplifying of Fractions Calculator

Published on: March 24, 2024

This Simplifying of Fractions Calculator helps you reduce one fraction to its simplest form and shows the working clearly step by step. To simplify a fraction, find the greatest common factor of the numerator and denominator, then divide both by that same number. Repeat only if needed until no common factor greater than 1 remains. It is a simple way to check answers, understand fraction simplification, and practise basic arithmetic step by step.

Step-by-step method

  1. Set up the problem. Write the fraction.
  2. Find the greatest common factor (GCF). This is the biggest number that divides both.
  3. Divide top and bottom by the GCF to get the simplest form.

Example 1: 8/12

Step 1 - Set up the problem. Write the fraction.

In this problem: We are simplifying 8/12.

8
12

Step 2 - Find the greatest common factor (GCF). This is the biggest number that divides both.

In this problem: The GCF of 8 and 12 is 4.

GCF(8, 12) = 4

Step 3 - Divide top and bottom by the GCF to get the simplest form.

In this problem: Divide both by 4: 8 ÷ 4 = 2 and 12 ÷ 4 = 3.

8
12
=
2
3

Final answer: 8/12 = 2/3

Example 2: 45/60

Step 1 - Set up the problem. Write the fraction.

In this problem: We are simplifying 45/60.

45
60

Step 2 - Find the greatest common factor (GCF). This is the biggest number that divides both.

In this problem: The GCF of 45 and 60 is 15.

GCF(45, 60) = 15

Step 3 - Divide top and bottom by the GCF to get the simplest form.

In this problem: Divide both by 15: 45 ÷ 15 = 3 and 60 ÷ 15 = 4.

45
60
=
3
4

Final answer: 45/60 = 3/4