Simplify 16/56 In 3 Easy Steps

Quick Links :

Hide

Simplifying fractions is a fundamental math skill that can seem daunting at first, but with the right approach, it can be broken down into manageable steps. Let's simplify the fraction 16/56 in three easy steps.

Step 1: Find the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD)

The first step in simplifying a fraction is to find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the numerator and the denominator. The GCD is the largest number that divides both numbers without leaving a remainder. To find the GCD of 16 and 56, we can list the factors of each number:

Factors of 16: 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 Factors of 56: 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 14, 28, 56

The greatest common factor that appears in both lists is 8.

Step 1 Example:

To find the GCD, we can also use the following method:

• List the multiples of the smaller number (16): 16, 32, 48, 56,...
• Stop at the first multiple that is also a multiple of the larger number (56)

In this case, 56 is a multiple of 16 and 56, so the GCD is 8.

Step 2: Divide the Numerator and Denominator by the GCD

Now that we have found the GCD, we can simplify the fraction by dividing both the numerator and the denominator by the GCD. In this case, we will divide 16 and 56 by 8:

16 ÷ 8 = 2 56 ÷ 8 = 7

So, the simplified fraction is 2/7.

Step 2 Example:

To confirm that we have simplified the fraction correctly, we can check that the numerator and denominator have no common factors other than 1. In this case, 2 and 7 have no common factors, so the fraction is fully simplified.

Step 3: Write the Simplified Fraction

The final step is to write the simplified fraction. In this case, the simplified fraction is:

2/7

And that's it! We have simplified the fraction 16/56 in three easy steps.

Additional Tips:

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when simplifying fractions:

• Always find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the numerator and denominator.
• Divide both the numerator and denominator by the GCD.
• Check that the numerator and denominator have no common factors other than 1.
• Write the simplified fraction.

By following these steps and tips, you can simplify fractions with confidence and accuracy.

Real-World Applications:

Simplifying fractions has many real-world applications, such as:

• Cooking: Simplifying fractions can help you adjust recipe quantities and measurements.
• Science: Simplifying fractions can help you calculate proportions and ratios in scientific experiments.
• Finance: Simplifying fractions can help you calculate interest rates and investment returns.

In conclusion, simplifying fractions is an essential math skill that can be broken down into manageable steps. By following the three easy steps outlined above, you can simplify fractions with confidence and accuracy.