Divide both the numerator and the denominator by their GCD

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 12 views

Introduction

When dealing with fractions, simplifying them is an essential skill to master. It helps in making calculations easier and more efficient. In this article, we will focus on simplifying the expression $\frac{1}{100}$ . We will explore the concept of simplifying fractions, the rules involved, and provide step-by-step examples to help you understand the process.

What is Simplifying a Fraction?

Simplifying a fraction involves expressing it in its simplest form, which means reducing it to its lowest terms. This is done by dividing both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD). The GCD is the largest number that divides both the numerator and the denominator without leaving a remainder.

Rules for Simplifying Fractions

There are two main rules to follow when simplifying fractions:

Divide both the numerator and the denominator by their GCD: This is the most common method used to simplify fractions. By dividing both the numerator and the denominator by their GCD, you can reduce the fraction to its simplest form.
Cancel out common factors: If there are any common factors between the numerator and the denominator, you can cancel them out to simplify the fraction.

Simplifying $\frac{1}{100}$

To simplify the expression $\frac{1}{100}$ , we need to find the GCD of 1 and 100. The GCD of 1 and 100 is 1, since 1 is the only number that divides both 1 and 100 without leaving a remainder.

Since the GCD is 1, we cannot simplify the fraction further. Therefore, the simplified form of $\frac{1}{100}$ is still $\frac{1}{100}$ .

Example 1: Simplifying a Fraction with a Common Factor

Let's consider the fraction $\frac{6}{12}$ . To simplify this fraction, we need to find the GCD of 6 and 12. The GCD of 6 and 12 is 6, since 6 is the largest number that divides both 6 and 12 without leaving a remainder.

To simplify the fraction, we divide both the numerator and the denominator by their GCD, which is 6. This gives us:

\frac{6}{12} = \frac{6 \div 6}{12 \div 6} = \frac{1}{2}

Therefore, the simplified form of $\frac{6}{12}$ is $\frac{1}{2}$ .

Example 2: Simplifying a Fraction with a Common Factor

Let's consider the fraction $\frac{9}{18}$ . To simplify this fraction, we need to find the GCD of 9 and 18. The GCD of 9 and 18 is 9, since 9 is the largest number that divides both 9 and 18 without leaving a remainder.

To simplify the fraction, we divide both the numerator and the denominator by their GCD, which is 9. This gives us:

\frac{9}{18} = \frac{9 \div 9}{18 \div 9} = \frac{1}{2}

Therefore, the simplified form of $\frac{9}{18}$ is $\frac{1}{2}$ .

Conclusion

Simplifying fractions is an essential skill to master in mathematics. By understanding the rules involved and following the steps outlined in this article, you can simplify fractions with ease. Remember to find the GCD of the numerator and the denominator, and then divide both by their GCD to simplify the fraction. With practice, you will become proficient in simplifying fractions and be able to tackle more complex problems with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the GCD of 1 and 100? The GCD of 1 and 100 is 1.
How do I simplify a fraction? To simplify a fraction, find the GCD of the numerator and the denominator, and then divide both by their GCD.
What is the simplified form of $\frac{6}{12}$ ? The simplified form of $\frac{6}{12}$ is $\frac{1}{2}$ .
What is the simplified form of $\frac{9}{18}$ ? The simplified form of $\frac{9}{18}$ is $\frac{1}{2}$ .

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored the concept of simplifying fractions and provided step-by-step examples to help you understand the process. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions related to simplifying fractions.

Q&A

Q: What is the GCD of 1 and 100?

A: The GCD of 1 and 100 is 1.

Q: How do I simplify a fraction?

A: To simplify a fraction, find the GCD of the numerator and the denominator, and then divide both by their GCD.

Q: What is the simplified form of $\frac{6}{12}$ ?

A: The simplified form of $\frac{6}{12}$ is $\frac{1}{2}$ .

Q: What is the simplified form of $\frac{9}{18}$ ?

A: The simplified form of $\frac{9}{18}$ is $\frac{1}{2}$ .

Q: Can I simplify a fraction if the numerator and denominator have no common factors?

A: Yes, you can simplify a fraction even if the numerator and denominator have no common factors. In this case, the simplified form of the fraction is still the original fraction.

Q: How do I simplify a fraction with a variable in the numerator or denominator?

A: To simplify a fraction with a variable in the numerator or denominator, follow the same steps as before. Find the GCD of the numerator and the denominator, and then divide both by their GCD.

Q: Can I simplify a complex fraction?

A: Yes, you can simplify a complex fraction. To do this, follow the same steps as before, but also simplify any fractions within the complex fraction.

Q: How do I simplify a fraction with a decimal in the numerator or denominator?

A: To simplify a fraction with a decimal in the numerator or denominator, follow the same steps as before. Find the GCD of the numerator and the denominator, and then divide both by their GCD.

Q: What is the difference between simplifying a fraction and reducing a fraction?

A: Simplifying a fraction involves expressing it in its simplest form, while reducing a fraction involves finding the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the numerator and the denominator and dividing both by their GCD.

Q: Can I simplify a fraction if the numerator and denominator have a common factor that is not a prime number?

A: Yes, you can simplify a fraction even if the numerator and denominator have a common factor that is not a prime number. In this case, find the GCD of the numerator and the denominator, and then divide both by their GCD.

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the GCD of 1 and 100? The GCD of 1 and 100 is 1.
How do I simplify a fraction? To simplify a fraction, find the GCD of the numerator and the denominator, and then divide both by their GCD.
What is the simplified form of $\frac{6}{12}$ ? The simplified form of $\frac{6}{12}$ is $\frac{1}{2}$ .
What is the simplified form of $\frac{9}{18}$ ? The simplified form of $\frac{9}{18}$ is $\frac{1}{2}$ .