Simplifying Fractions: A Step-by-Step Guide
Simplifying fractions is an essential math skill that can seem daunting at first, but with practice, it becomes easier. In this article, we will simplify the fraction 45/81 in 5 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. To do this, we need to list the factors of both numbers.
Factors of 45: 1, 3, 5, 9, 15, 45 Factors of 81: 1, 3, 9, 27, 81
As we can see, the common factors of 45 and 81 are 1, 3, and 9. The greatest common factor is 9.
What is the GCD of 45 and 81?
The GCD of 45 and 81 is 9.
Step 2: Divide the Numerator and Denominator by the GCD
Now that we have found the GCD, we can divide both the numerator and the denominator by 9.
45 ÷ 9 = 5 81 ÷ 9 = 9
So, the fraction 45/81 can be simplified to 5/9.
What is the simplified fraction?
The simplified fraction is 5/9.
Step 3: Check if the Fraction Can be Simplified Further
Now that we have simplified the fraction to 5/9, we need to check if it can be simplified further. To do this, we need to find the GCD of 5 and 9.
Factors of 5: 1, 5 Factors of 9: 1, 3, 9
As we can see, the only common factor of 5 and 9 is 1. Therefore, the fraction 5/9 cannot be simplified further.
Can the fraction 5/9 be simplified further?
No, the fraction 5/9 cannot be simplified further.
Step 4: Verify the Simplified Fraction
To verify the simplified fraction, we can multiply the numerator and the denominator by the GCD to get back the original fraction.
5 × 9 = 45 9 × 9 = 81
As we can see, multiplying the numerator and the denominator by 9 gives us back the original fraction 45/81.
Does the simplified fraction verify the original fraction?
Yes, the simplified fraction verifies the original fraction.
Step 5: Write the Final Answer
Now that we have simplified the fraction and verified it, we can write the final answer.
The final answer is: 5/9
Conclusion
Simplifying fractions is an important math skill that can be achieved in a few easy steps. By following these steps, you can simplify any fraction and verify the answer. Remember to always find the GCD, divide the numerator and denominator by the GCD, check if the fraction can be simplified further, verify the simplified fraction, and write the final answer.
What is the GCD of 45 and 81?
+The GCD of 45 and 81 is 9.
What is the simplified fraction of 45/81?
+The simplified fraction is 5/9.
Can the fraction 5/9 be simplified further?
+No, the fraction 5/9 cannot be simplified further.