National Wildfire Coordinating Group

1.10 Simplifying Fractions

SIMPLIFYING FRACTIONS

Simplifying a fraction is writing a number in its most basic form. Sometimes fractions involve very large numbers in both the numerator (top number) and in the denominator (bottom number). As a general rule, it is easier to work with simpler fractions. So, always simplify.

There are three basic rules for simplifying fractions:

  1. Any number written over 1 is that number.
  2. A fraction can be simplified if the top and bottom numbers can both be divided by the same number, without leaving a remainder.
  3. If the top number is larger than the bottom number, and neither number can be divided by the same number, divide the top number by the bottom number.

Practice Quiz

Select the correct answer(s) from the questions below:

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