Simplify 60/100 To Lowest Terms In 3 Easy Steps

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Simplifying fractions is an essential math skill that can help you solve problems and understand complex mathematical concepts. In this article, we'll show you how to simplify the fraction 60/100 to its lowest terms in just three easy steps.

Understanding Fractions

Before we dive into simplifying the fraction 60/100, let's quickly review what fractions are and how they work. A fraction is a way of expressing a part of a whole as a ratio of two numbers. The top number, called the numerator, represents the part of the whole, while the bottom number, called the denominator, represents the total number of parts.

Step 1: Find the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD)

To simplify a fraction, we need 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. In this case, we need to find the GCD of 60 and 100.

To do this, we can list the factors of each number:

• Factors of 60: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 12, 15, 20, 30, 60
• Factors of 100: 1, 2, 4, 5, 10, 20, 25, 50, 100

As we can see, the greatest common divisor of 60 and 100 is 20.

Why is finding the GCD important?

Finding the GCD is crucial in simplifying fractions because it allows us to divide both the numerator and the denominator by the same number, reducing the fraction to its lowest terms.

Step 2: Divide Both Numbers by the GCD

Now that we have found the GCD of 60 and 100, which is 20, we can divide both numbers by 20 to simplify the fraction.

• 60 ÷ 20 = 3
• 100 ÷ 20 = 5

So, the simplified fraction is 3/5.

Why does dividing by the GCD simplify the fraction?

Dividing both the numerator and the denominator by the GCD reduces the fraction to its lowest terms because it eliminates any common factors between the two numbers. This results in a simpler fraction that still represents the same value.

Step 3: Check if the Fraction is in Lowest Terms

Finally, we need to check if the simplified fraction 3/5 is indeed in its lowest terms. To do this, we can check if there are any common factors between 3 and 5.

As it turns out, 3 and 5 have no common factors other than 1. Therefore, the fraction 3/5 is in its lowest terms.

What if the fraction is not in lowest terms?

If the fraction is not in its lowest terms, we can repeat the process of finding the GCD and dividing both numbers by the GCD until we obtain a fraction that is in its lowest terms.

In this case, the fraction 3/5 is already in its lowest terms, so we don't need to repeat the process.

Conclusion: Simplifying Fractions Made Easy

Simplifying fractions is a straightforward process that involves finding the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the numerator and the denominator, dividing both numbers by the GCD, and checking if the resulting fraction is in its lowest terms. By following these three easy steps, you can simplify any fraction to its lowest terms.

So, the next time you come across a fraction that needs to be simplified, remember these three easy steps, and you'll be able to simplify it with ease.

Take action: Practice simplifying fractions with different numbers to become more confident and proficient in your math skills.

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