Cancel factors, not digits
Simplifying a fraction means dividing both parts by the same nonzero number. It changes the appearance without changing the proportion. A common divisor of the numerator and denominator makes that possible.
Crossing out matching written digits is not a valid general method. Work with multiplication factors instead: 18 = 2 × 9 and 30 = 2 × 15 show that both are divisible by 2.
Find the greatest common divisor
You can list factors for small integers. For larger ones, the Euclidean algorithm repeatedly replaces a pair with the smaller number and the remainder until the remainder becomes zero.
Using the greatest common divisor simplifies in one step. Canceling several smaller factors gives the same result if you continue until the numerator and denominator share no factor greater than one.
Handle zero and signs deliberately
A zero numerator represents zero whenever the denominator is nonzero. A zero denominator is undefined and cannot be fixed by simplifying. Two negative signs cancel.
The tool accepts whole numbers within its displayed limits. To simplify a written decimal, first use decimal-to-fraction conversion rather than rounding it to an integer.
LET’S WORK IT THROUGH
Reduce 42/56.
- 42 = 3 × 14 and 56 = 4 × 14.
- The greatest common divisor is 14.
- Divide both parts by 14 to obtain 3/4.
THE ANSWER42/56 simplifies to 3/4.
YOUR TURN
A small check for understanding.
Simplify −18/24.
Reveal the answer
−3/4. Divide both integers by 6.
Now try your own numbers.
The simplify a fraction includes input guidance and the limits of its supported calculations. Use it alongside the method above.
Open Simplify a fraction ↗A note on precision: preserve exact fractions where possible and round numerical results at the end. Found an unclear step? Prepare a correction report.