Simplifying Fractions
How to use the sliders to help simplify a fraction.
1. Click and drag the blue sliders on the left to the numerator and denominator of the (non-simplified) fraction you are given.
2. Find the GCF (greatest common factor of this numerator and denominator. If the GCF is 1, you are done. 3. If the GCF is greater than 1, divide the numerator by the GCF - the result is the "new" numerator.
4. Divide the denominator by the GCF - the result is the "new" denominator.
5. Click and drag the purple sliders on the right to the new numerator and new denominator.
6. Finally, click and drag the handle (the red point) to overlap the two squares to see if they match.
Definition: A fraction is simplified if the numerator and denominator have no common factors.
1. Simplify
a) The square on the left illustrates (9 sections out of 15 are shaded blue).
b) Find the GCF of 9 and 15 to simplify .
c) Adjust the purple sliders for the numerator and denominator to create the simplified fraction for .
d) Use the handle (red point) to drag the purple square on top of the blue square. If the shaded portions completely overlap, then you have simplified the fraction correctly.
2. Simplify
a) Drag the blue sliders to illustrate the fraction . (5 sections out of 20 should be shaded)
b) Find the GCF of 9 and 15 to simplify .
c) Adjust the purple sliders for the numerator and denominator to create the simplified fraction for .
d) Use the handle (red point) to drag the purple square on top of the blue square. If the shaded portions completely overlap, then you have simplified the fraction correctly.
3. Simplify
a) Move the purple square back to its starting position or click on reset.
b) Drag the blue sliders to illustrate the fraction
c) Find the GCF of 3 and 8. Can you simplify ?
What is the simplified fraction for ? Use the button to bring up the math keyboard. Use the division sign to type in your fraction answer. Example: 1 2 will show .
What is the simplified fraction for ? Use the button to bring up the math keyboard. Use the division sign to type in your fraction answer. Example: 1 2 will show as
Can be simplified? Explain.