Simplify 20/36 In 5 Easy Steps

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Simplifying Fractions Made Easy

Are you struggling to simplify fractions? Do you find it difficult to reduce fractions to their lowest terms? Look no further! In this article, we will show you how to simplify the fraction 20/36 in 5 easy steps.

What is Simplifying Fractions?

Simplifying fractions is the process of reducing a fraction to its lowest terms. This means finding the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the numerator and denominator and dividing both numbers by the GCD. Simplifying fractions is an essential skill in mathematics, as it helps to make calculations easier and more efficient.

Step 1: Find the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD)

To simplify the fraction 20/36, we need to find the GCD of 20 and 36. To do this, we can list the factors of each number:

Factors of 20: 1, 2, 4, 5, 10, 20 Factors of 36: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 12, 18, 36

The greatest common divisor of 20 and 36 is 4.

Step 2: Divide the Numerator and Denominator by the GCD

Now that we have found the GCD, we can divide the numerator and denominator by 4:

20 ÷ 4 = 5 36 ÷ 4 = 9

So, the fraction 20/36 can be simplified to 5/9.

Step 3: Check if the Fraction is in Lowest Terms

To ensure that the fraction 5/9 is in lowest terms, we need to check if the GCD of 5 and 9 is 1. If the GCD is 1, then the fraction is in lowest terms.

Factors of 5: 1, 5 Factors of 9: 1, 3, 9

The GCD of 5 and 9 is 1, which means that the fraction 5/9 is in lowest terms.

Step 4: Write the Simplified Fraction

The simplified fraction is 5/9.

Step 5: Verify the Simplified Fraction

To verify the simplified fraction, we can multiply the numerator and denominator by the GCD to ensure that we get the original fraction:

5 × 4 = 20 9 × 4 = 36

The original fraction 20/36 can be simplified to 5/9.

Benefits of Simplifying Fractions

Simplifying fractions has several benefits, including:

• Easier calculations: Simplifying fractions makes it easier to perform calculations, such as adding and subtracting fractions.
• Reduced errors: Simplifying fractions reduces the risk of errors, as it eliminates unnecessary complexity.
• Improved understanding: Simplifying fractions helps to improve understanding of mathematical concepts, as it makes it easier to visualize and work with fractions.

Conclusion

In this article, we have shown you how to simplify the fraction 20/36 in 5 easy steps. By following these steps, you can simplify fractions with ease and improve your mathematical skills. Remember to always check if the fraction is in lowest terms and verify the simplified fraction to ensure accuracy.

Take Action

Try simplifying different fractions using the steps outlined in this article. Practice makes perfect, so don't be afraid to challenge yourself and simplify more complex fractions.

Share Your Thoughts

Do you have any questions or comments about simplifying fractions? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.