How do you write the fraction #3/6# in simplest form?

1 Answer
Dec 2, 2016

#3/6=1/2#

Explanation:

We have to find a #color(blue)"common factor"# that will divide into 3 and 6 and reduce the fraction.

This process is called #color(blue)"cancelling"#

The only factor that is common to 3 and 6 is #color(red)(3)#

#rArr3/6=(3÷3)/(6÷3)=1/2larr" in simplest form"#

This is usually written as follows.

#3/6=cancel(3)^1/cancel(6)^2=1/2#

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