View largerSimplifying fractions
What simplest form means and two ways to simplify: divide by common factors, or divide once by the greatest common factor
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Simplifying Fractions Worksheets
A simplifying fractions chart, bar models, practice to 100, the greatest common factor, simplest form or not, and improper fractions. With answer keys.
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Simplifying fractions chart and models
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View all 2 pagesSimplify fractions with models
Seeing that a fraction and its simplest form cover the same part of a fraction bar, with fewer, bigger parts
Answer key on page 2
2 pages45 KB
Write fractions in simplest form
View all 2 pagesSimplify Fractions, sheet A
Writing fractions with denominators up to 24 in simplest form
Answer key on page 2
2 pages40 KB
View all 2 pagesSimplify Fractions, sheet B
Writing fractions with denominators up to 100 in simplest form
Answer key on page 2
2 pages41 KB
View all 2 pagesSimplify using the GCF
Listing factors to find the greatest common factor of the numerator and denominator, then dividing both by it
Answer key on page 2
2 pages55 KB
View all 2 pagesSimplest form or Not?
Deciding whether a fraction is in simplest form, and simplifying the ones that are not
Answer key on page 2
2 pages53 KB
View all 2 pagesImproper fractions in simplest form
Writing improper fractions as mixed numbers or whole numbers in simplest form, like 14/4 = 3 1/2
Answer key on page 2
2 pages38 KB
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About these simplifying fractions worksheets
A fraction is in simplest form when 1 is the only number that divides both its numerator and its denominator. To simplify, divide the top and the bottom by a common factor: 6/8 = 3/4, because 6 and 8 are both divisible by 2. The fraction keeps its size; it is just cut into fewer, bigger parts.
There are two ways to simplify. Divide by common factors step by step (24/36 = 12/18 = 6/9 = 2/3), or divide once by the greatest common factor, the biggest number that divides both (24/36 ÷ 12 = 2/3). For an improper fraction, simplify and then change it to a mixed number: 14/4 = 7/2 = 3 1/2.
These worksheets start with the chart and fraction bar models, then practice simplifying with small and large denominators, listing factors to find the GCF, deciding whether a fraction is already in simplest form, and simplifying improper fractions. Every practice page has an answer key.
Standards
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.NF.A.1Add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators (including mixed numbers) by replacing given fractions with equivalent fractions in such a way as to produce an equivalent sum or difference of fractions with like denominators. For example, 2/3 + 5/4 = 8/12 + 15/12 = 23/12. (In general, a/b + c/d = (ad + bc)/bd.)
How to use them
- Show the chart and the bar models so children see that simplifying does not change the amount.
- Practice with Sheet A, then Sheet B for bigger numbers.
- Use the GCF sheet to practice finding the greatest common factor.
- Use Simplest Form or Not to check understanding.
Teaching tips
- Both even? Divide by 2. Digits add to a multiple of 3? Try 3. Both end in 0 or 5? Try 5.
- Two odd numbers can still share a factor: 9/15 = 3/5.
- Check the answer: no number but 1 should divide both parts.
Questions teachers and parents ask
How do you simplify a fraction?
Divide the numerator and the denominator by the same number. Keep going until no number but 1 divides both, or divide once by their greatest common factor. 18/24 ÷ 6 = 3/4.
Is 9/12 in simplest form?
No. 9 and 12 are both divisible by 3, so 9/12 = 3/4. 3 and 4 share no factor but 1, so 3/4 is in simplest form.