Simplifying Fractions
Fractions that are written differently, like [latex]\frac{14}{24}[/latex] and [latex]\frac{7}{12}[/latex] may have the same numerical value. There are a couple of ways to see this—by removing common factors or by converting to decimals. Examples of both are shown below.
Removing common factors:
[latex]\frac{14}{24}= \frac{2 \cdot7}{2 \cdot 12}= \frac{7}{12}[/latex]
When we remove all the common factors from the numerator and denominator, we say we have reduced or simplified the fraction.
Converting to decimals:
[latex]\frac{14}{24}=0.5833[/latex]
[latex]\frac{7}{12}=0.5833[/latex]
Question 3
Practice reducing, or simplifying, fractions:
Part A: What proportion of the students has blue eyes? Give your answer as a simplified fraction and check your work by converting to decimals.
Part B: What proportion of the students has green eyes? Give your answer as a simplified fraction and check your work by converting to decimals.
Did you feel comfortable working with the fractions in this support activity? If you feel you need more practice, you can visit the student resources Equivalent Fractions and Fractions, Decimals, Percentages for additional support. It’s time to move on to the What to Know assignment for this section.
