Question

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

Answer 1

`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.