Fractions can look huge and scary, like 40/100, but most of the time they are only "disguised" duplicates of smaller amounts, like 2/5. Fifth and sixth graders should know how to simplify fractions, which is also known as reducing to lowest terms. It makes adding, subtracting, and comparing fractions much easier. Whether you are looking for a simplifying fractions worksheet pdf for home study or a classroom activity, this guide and practice set will help you master the "divide and conquer" method.
What Does it Mean to Simplify a Fraction?
It means that the only number that can divide both the top (numerator) and the bottom (denominator) of a fraction is 1.
Question: Is 3/6 in its simplest form? No, because you can divide both 3 and 6 by 3.
Answer: 3 \div 3 = 1 and 6 \div 3 = 2. This means that 3/6 is the same as 1/2.
Steps for Simplifying Fractions Worksheet for Students
Being able to simplify fractions is a crucial skill that makes it easier for students to solve arithmetic problems. GCF or the Greatest Common Factor method is used in most tutorials, but adding structured, step-by-step strategies can make the process easier to follow and more interesting. These tricks make kids feel good about working with both small and large numbers, and they even help them understand fractions better.
1. Use of Prime Factorization
This is used to easily find common pieces rapidly. Students can break down both the numerator and the denominator into their prime parts instead of verifying each integer to see if it is divisible. You can start by factoring to make 60/84 easier to understand:
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60 = 2 × 2 × 3 × 5
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84 = 2 × 2 × 3 × 7
The number 12 is the same as 2 × 2 × 3. You get the simple fraction 5/7 when you divide both 60 and 84 by 12. Prime Factorization method not only guarantees that the solution is accurate, but it also teaches them how to think about numbers and factors.
2. Simplifying Fractions with Large Numbers
When the numbers are bigger, you can use repeated division with small prime numbers like 2, 3, and 5 to help you with prime factorisation. For instance, to simplify 120/180:
This step-by-step method helps students cut down on fractions without being scared by big numbers.
3. Visual Fraction Representation
Visual tools like fraction bars, pie charts, and grids can help make things easier to understand. The shaded parts show students how they fit together, which helps them comprehend why dividing both the numerator and the denominator by the same number keeps the value of a fraction the same. People who have trouble with abstract numbers might learn a lot from visual models.
Students can easily and confidently simplify fractions by using prime factorisation, repetitive division, visual representation, and rigorous inspections.
Read More - Fractions - Definition, Types & Examples
Simplifying Fractions Worksheet for Students Practice
Try solving these problems to get a hands on practice. You can use this as a template for a simplifying fractions worksheet with answers.
Section 1: Proper Fractions (Grade 5 Focus)
Simplify the following fractions to their lowest terms.
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\frac{4}{12} = ______
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\frac{10}{25} = ______
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\frac{6}{18} = ______
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\frac{14}{21} = ______
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\frac{15}{45} = ______
Section 2: Larger Fractions (Grade 6 Focus)
Find the GCF and simplify.
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\frac{24}{36} = ______
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\frac{48}{60} = ______
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\frac{35}{100} = ______
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\frac{56}{64} = ______
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\frac{81}{90} = ______
Answer Key for the above practice questions
Here is the answer key to the above practice questions for simplifying the fractions worksheet for students:
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Question
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GCF (Greatest Common Factor)
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Simplified Fraction
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1. 4/12
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4
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1/3
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2. 10/25
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5
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2/5
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3. 6/18
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6
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1/3
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4. 14/21
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7
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2/3
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|
5. 15/45
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15
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1/3
|
|
6. 24/36
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12
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2/3
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|
7. 48/60
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12
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4/5
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8. 35/100
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5
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7/20
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9. 56/64
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8
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7/8
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10. 81/90
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9
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9/10
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Read More - Equivalent Fractions: Definition, How to Calculate, and Examples
Common Mistakes to Avoid while simplifying fractions worksheet
Here are three things students should not do when they are simplifying the fractions worksheet:
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Stopping Too Early: You might divide by a little amount (say 2), but the fraction can still be made simpler. Always look at your answer!
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Dividing Only One Side: You must divide both the top and the bottom by the same number.
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Confusing Factors with Multiples: Factors and multiples are not the same thing. The smaller integers that make up your fraction are called factors.
Pro-Tip for Large Numbers
If you can't discover the GCF right away, keep dividing by small prime numbers like 2, 3, or 5 until you reach a point where you can't go any farther.
For Example: \frac{80}{120} \xrightarrow{\div 10} \frac{8}{12} \xrightarrow{\div 4} \frac{2}{3}
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