# How do you write 18/54 in simplest form?

Nov 19, 2016

$\frac{1}{3}$

#### Explanation:

We have to find a $\textcolor{b l u e}{\text{common factor}}$ that will divide into 18 and 54 and reduce the fraction.
This process is referred to as $\textcolor{b l u e}{\text{cancelling}}$

If you can see that 18 is a factor of 18 and 54 then the fraction can be simplified immediately.

rArr18/54=(18÷18)/(54÷18)=1/3

Usually written as $\frac{18}{54} = {\cancel{18}}^{1} / {\cancel{54}}^{3} = \frac{1}{3}$

A fraction is in $\textcolor{b l u e}{\text{simplest form}}$ when no other factor apart from 1 will divide exactly into the numerator/denominator.

Otherwise, begin with the lowest common factor, and continue the process until simplified form is reached.

Proceeding with factor of $\textcolor{red}{2}$

${\cancel{18}}^{9} / {\cancel{54}}^{27} = \frac{9}{27}$

Now with a factor of $\textcolor{red}{3} \text{ and " color(red)(3)" again}$

${\cancel{9}}^{3} / {\cancel{27}}^{9} = \frac{3}{9} = {\cancel{3}}^{1} / {\cancel{9}}^{3} = \frac{1}{3} \leftarrow \text{ in simplest form}$