How to Simplify a fraction by HCF

 How to simplify a fraction by using Highest Common Factor (HCF)

We can very easily simplify a fraction with the help of Highest Common Factor (HCF).

 

Let’s do an example to understand this concept.

Example: Simplify Solution:STEP 1: Find the Highest Common Factor(HCF) of 16 and 40

• HCF by METHOD 1

Factors of 16 are:1, 2, 4, 8, 16 Factors of 40 are:1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 10, 20, 40 Common factors of 16 and 40 are:1, 2, 4, 8 Highest Common Factor (HCF) of 16 and 40 is 8. 

• HCF by METHOD 2

So, Highest Common Factor (HCF) of 16 and 40 is 8.

• HCF by METHOD 3

Again, we see Highest Common Factor (HCF) of 16 and 40 is 8.STEP 2: Divide the numerator and denominator by their HCF. The number at the top of a fraction is called the numerator, and the number at the bottom of a fraction is called the denominator.In 16 is numerator and 40 is denominator. Highest Common Factor of 16 and 40 is 8. So, Thus, simplified form of fraction is  Example: Can we simplify?Solution: Since the only factor common in 21 and 79 is 1. So, Highest Common Factor (HCF) of 21 and 79 is 1.Thus, the fraction  cannot be simplified further. RELATED POST:

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