How do you simplify the fraction #35/50#?

1 Answer
Dec 1, 2016

#7/10#

Explanation:

We have to find a #color(blue)"common factor"# that will divide into 35 and 50 and reduce the fraction.

This process is referred to as #color(blue)"cancelling"#

Since 35 has a last digit of 5 and 50 has a last digit of 0 , this tells us that both numbers are #color(blue)"divisible by 5"#

#rArr35/50=(35÷5)/(50÷5)=7/10larr" in simplest form"#

Usually written as #cancel(35)^7/cancel(50)^(10)=7/10#

A fraction is in #color(blue)"simplest form"# when no other factor apart from 1 will divide into the numerator/denominator.