The world of fractions! Simplifying fractions can be a daunting task, but don't worry, we've got you covered. In this article, we'll break down the process of simplifying 70 as a fraction into three easy steps. By the end of this article, you'll be a pro at simplifying fractions in no time!
Why Simplify Fractions?
Before we dive into the steps, let's quickly discuss why simplifying fractions is important. Simplifying fractions helps us to:
- Reduce the size of the numbers in the fraction
- Make calculations easier
- Write fractions in their simplest form, which is often required in math problems
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 denominator. In this case, we're working with the number 70. To simplify 70 as a fraction, we need to find the GCD of 70 and 1 (since 70 can be written as 70/1).
To find the GCD, we can list the factors of 70:
- 1, 2, 5, 7, 10, 14, 35, 70
As we can see, the GCD of 70 and 1 is 1.
What is the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD)?
The Greatest Common Divisor (GCD) is the largest number that divides both numbers in the fraction without leaving a remainder.
Step 2: Divide Both Numbers by the GCD
Now that we've found the GCD, we can simplify the fraction by dividing both numbers by the GCD.
In this case, we'll divide 70 by 1:
70 ÷ 1 = 70
And we'll divide 1 by 1:
1 ÷ 1 = 1
The simplified fraction is still 70/1.
What Happens if the GCD is Not 1?
If the GCD is not 1, we'll divide both numbers by the GCD to simplify the fraction. For example, if the GCD is 2, we'll divide both numbers by 2.
Step 3: Write the Simplified Fraction
The final step is to write the simplified fraction.
In this case, the simplified fraction is 70/1, which can be written as a whole number: 70.
Is 70/1 a Simplified Fraction?
While 70/1 is a simplified fraction, it's not the most common way to write it. In most cases, we'll write 70/1 as a whole number: 70.
What is the purpose of simplifying fractions?
+Simplifying fractions helps us to reduce the size of the numbers in the fraction, make calculations easier, and write fractions in their simplest form.
How do I find the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD)?
+To find the GCD, list the factors of both numbers in the fraction and find the largest number that divides both numbers without leaving a remainder.
What happens if the GCD is not 1?
+If the GCD is not 1, divide both numbers by the GCD to simplify the fraction.
We hope this article has helped you to simplify 70 as a fraction in three easy steps. Remember to always find the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD) of the numerator and denominator, divide both numbers by the GCD, and write the simplified fraction. Happy calculating!