To reduce a fraction to lowest terms, divide the numerator and the denomi-
nator by the largest number that divides evenly into both.EXAMPLE
Reduce^1824 to lowest terms.SOLUTION
Divide both numerator and denominator by 6, as shown:
18
24¼
18 6
24 6
¼
3
4
EXAMPLE
Reduce^1525 to lowest terms.SOLUTION
Divide the numerator and denominator by 5, as shown:
15
25¼
15 5
25 5
¼
3
5
If the largest number is not obvious, divide the numerator and denominator
by any number (except one) that divides into each evenly; then repeat the
process until the fraction is in lowest terms.EXAMPLE
Reduce^112126 to lowest terms.SOLUTION
First divide by 2:
112
126¼
112 2
126 2
¼
56
63
Next divide by 7:
56
63¼
56 7
63 7
¼
8
9
Math Note: When the numerator of a fraction is zero, the value of
the fraction is zero. For example,^06 ¼0.PRACTICE
Reduce each of the following fractions to lowest terms:40 CHAPTER 3 Fractions: Part 1