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Introduction To Fractions Worksheets With Answer Key - Tutoring And Learning Centre, George Brown College - 2013 Page 3

Introduction to Fractions

We learned that we can create equivalent fractions by multiplying the numerator and

denominator by the same number. This process can create really big fractions. A

second method to create equivalent fractions is to divide the numerator and

denominator by its greatest common factor. (Note: this is only possible when a

fraction can be reduced).

Note: The greatest common factor is the largest number that is a factor of both

numbers.

Example 2: Find the Greatest Common Factor between 64 and 56

Factors of 64: 1, 2, 4, 8 , 16, 32, 64

List all the factors of 64 and 56.

Factors of 56: 1, 2, 4, 7, 8 , 14, 28,

Notice that 64 and 56 have 2, 4, and 8 as common factors, but we are looking for the

greatest one. Thus, the GCF between 64 and 56 is 8.

Reducing/Simplifying Fractions

Step 1: Find the Greatest Common Factor (GCF) between the numerator and the

denominator.

Step 2: Divide the numerator and the denominator by the GCF.

Step 3: If the GCF is equal to 1, then the fraction is already in its most simplified form.

Example 3: Simplify the following fraction,

Factors of 28: 1, 2, 4 , 7, 14, 28

First, let’s find the GCF of 28 and 32.

Factors of 32: 1, 2, 4 , 8, 16, 32

The GCF of 28 and 32 is 4. Divide the numerator and denominator by 4.

÷ 4

Example 4: Simplify the following fraction,

First, let’s find the GCF of 7 and 9.

Factors of 7: 1, 7

Factors of 9: 1, 3, 9

Since the GCF of 7 and 9 is 1,

is at its simplest form.

Tutoring and Learning Centre, George Brown College 2013

Introduction To Fractions Worksheets With Answer Key - Tutoring And Learning Centre, George Brown College - 2013 Page 3