Question

How do you write the fraction `48/46` in simplest form?

Answer 1

`24/23`

Explanation:

We have to find a `color(blue)"common factor"` that will divide into 48 and 46 and reduce the fraction.

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

The only common factor to 48 and 46 is 2

`rArr48/46=(48÷2)/(46÷2)=24/23`

Usually written as `48/46=cancel(48)^(24)/cancel(46)^(23)=24/23larr" in simplest form"`

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