Simplifying Fractions Calculator
Simplify a numerator and denominator to lowest terms by dividing both numbers by their greatest common factor.
Simplifying Fractions Calculator
How it works
Formula and steps
The formula shows how the simplifying fractions calculator turns your inputs into the result. Use it to check the calculation, then follow the example steps to see each part of the math.
Formula & steps
Simplifying fractions formula
Divide the numerator and denominator by the same greatest common factor.
a= Numeratorb= Nonzero denominatorGCF(a, b)= Greatest common factor of the numerator and denominator- 1Enter the numerator and denominator.
- 2Find their greatest common factor (GCF).
- 3Divide both numbers by the GCF.
- 4Keep any negative sign in the numerator and confirm the new numerator and denominator share no factor greater than one.
Worked examples
Common uses
- Reducing fractions
- Writing fractions in lowest terms
- Checking equivalent fractions
- Simplifying answers
Common mistakes
- Dividing the numerator and denominator by different numbers.
- Stopping before the greatest common factor has been removed.
- Using zero as the denominator.
Fraction guide
How to simplify fractions
A fraction is in lowest terms when its numerator and denominator have no common factor greater than one.
Find the greatest common factor
Find the largest positive whole number that divides both the numerator and denominator evenly.
Use the greatest common factor calculator →Divide both parts equally
Divide the numerator and denominator by the same greatest common factor so the fraction keeps its original value.
Signs and zero
A negative sign is kept in the numerator. A zero numerator simplifies to zero, while a denominator of zero is undefined.
FAQ
Find the greatest common factor of the numerator and denominator, then divide both by that same number.
A fraction is in lowest terms when its numerator and denominator have no common factor greater than one.
A fraction with numerator zero and a nonzero denominator simplifies to zero. A denominator can never be zero.
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