To decrease a fraction, you simplify it by finding the greatest common factor (GCF) of the numerator and the denominator and dividing both by this number. This process is also known as "reducing" a fraction.
Understanding Fraction Reduction
According to the provided YouTube video titled "Reducing Fractions," reducing a fraction means making it smaller. Here's a breakdown of how to do it:
Steps to Reduce a Fraction:
- Identify the numerator and denominator: For example, in the fraction 15/18, 15 is the numerator, and 18 is the denominator.
- Find the greatest common factor (GCF): The GCF is the largest number that divides evenly into both the numerator and denominator. For 15 and 18, the GCF is 3 because 3 is the largest number that divides into both 15 (15 / 3 = 5) and 18 (18 / 3 = 6).
- Divide both by the GCF: Divide both the numerator and the denominator by the GCF. So for 15/18, you would divide both by 3:
- 15 ÷ 3 = 5
- 18 ÷ 3 = 6
- The reduced fraction: The new fraction is 5/6. 15/18 has been reduced to 5/6.
Example:
| Step | Original Fraction | GCF | Reduced Fraction |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 15/18 | 3 | 5/6 |
Important Note:
- Reducing a fraction does not change its value; it simply expresses the fraction in its simplest form.
Why Reduce Fractions?
- Simplicity: Reduced fractions are easier to work with and understand.
- Clarity: They provide a more concise representation of the relationship between the numerator and the denominator.
- Standard practice: It is standard to express fractions in reduced form for accuracy and clarity.
