Simplify fractions

Objective. Reduce fractions fully using common factors.

1. Learn
2. Worked example
3. Practice
4. Feedback
5. Continue

Learn: the key idea

Simplifying a fraction means writing it with the smallest possible whole numbers while keeping its value unchanged. You do this by dividing the numerator and denominator by their highest common factor. For example, 18/24 has HCF 6, so dividing both parts gives 3/4, which cannot be simplified any further. If you can only spot a smaller common factor, simplify in stages: divide 18/24 by 2 to get 9/12, then by 3 to get 3/4. A fraction is fully simplified once the numerator and denominator share no common factor other than 1.

Worked example

Simplify the fraction 42/56 fully.

1 $Find the HCF of 42 and 56, which is 14.$
2 $Divide the numerator by 14: 42\div14=3.$
3 $Divide the denominator by 14: 56\div14=4.$
4 $Check 3 and 4 share no common factor, so the fraction is fully simplified.$

Answer: 3/4

Concept mastery

Based on your past attempts at this lesson — the question types to practise again come first.

Complete a practice set to see your concept breakdown here.

Practice

Practice happens on its own screen, one question at a time. Answers stay hidden until you submit yours, and you can stop and pick up at the same question later.

Start practising

Common mistake. Pupils sometimes stop simplifying too early, leaving 4/6 instead of continuing to 2/3. Always check whether the numerator and denominator still share a common factor before finishing.

Your progress

Tick each step as you finish it. Your exact reading position is saved automatically, so Continue drops you back on the same line.

0 of 5 steps complete

Your place saves automatically as you read.

My dashboard