Simplifying fractions is a fundamental math skill that can seem daunting at first, but with practice, it becomes second nature. The fraction 18/30 is a great example of a fraction that can be simplified. Let's break it down into 5 easy steps.
Step 1: Understand the Concept of Simplifying Fractions
Simplifying fractions means finding an equivalent fraction with the smallest possible numbers. This is done by dividing both the numerator (the top number) and the denominator (the bottom number) by the greatest common divisor (GCD).
What is the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD)?
The GCD is the largest number that divides both numbers without leaving a remainder. For example, the GCD of 12 and 18 is 6, since 6 is the largest number that divides both 12 and 18 without leaving a remainder.
Step 2: Find the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD) of 18 and 30
To find the GCD of 18 and 30, we can list the factors of each number:
Factors of 18: 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 18 Factors of 30: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 10, 15, 30
The largest number that appears in both lists is 6, so the GCD of 18 and 30 is 6.
Step 3: Divide Both Numbers by the GCD
Now that we know the GCD is 6, we can divide both numbers by 6:
18 ÷ 6 = 3 30 ÷ 6 = 5
Step 4: Write the Simplified Fraction
The simplified fraction is 3/5.
Step 5: Check Your Answer
To check our answer, we can multiply the numerator and denominator by the GCD (6) to get the original fraction:
3 × 6 = 18 5 × 6 = 30
Since we get the original fraction back, we know that 3/5 is the simplified form of 18/30.
By following these 5 easy steps, you can simplify fractions like 18/30 with confidence. Remember to always find the GCD and divide both numbers by it to get the simplified fraction.
Now that you've learned how to simplify fractions, try practicing with different examples to become more proficient. Do you have any questions about simplifying fractions? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
What is the purpose of simplifying fractions?
+The purpose of simplifying fractions is to express the fraction in its simplest form, making it easier to work with and understand.
How do I find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of two numbers?
+To find the GCD, list the factors of each number and find the largest number that appears in both lists.
Can I simplify fractions with different denominators?
+Yes, you can simplify fractions with different denominators by finding the least common multiple (LCM) and dividing both numbers by the GCD.