Simplifying Fractions Worksheets
Free printable simplifying fractions worksheets. Reduce each fraction to lowest terms, with an answer key. Every fraction has a common factor to cancel.
Each fraction has a common factor in the numerator and denominator, and the student divides both by it to write the fraction in lowest terms. There are no already-reduced fractions on the sheet - every one has work to do.
This is the skill behind every fraction answer key on the site, which writes results in lowest terms. Practising it on its own makes the arithmetic pages easier to check.
What this worksheet covers
- Find a common factor of the numerator and denominator
- Write a fraction in lowest terms
Common Core standards
- 4.NF.A.1 Explain and generate equivalent fractions by multiplying or dividing the numerator and denominator.
Frequently asked questions
How do you simplify a fraction?
Find the largest number that divides both the numerator and the denominator, and divide both by it. 6/8 has a common factor of 2, so it becomes 3/4.
Are any fractions already in lowest terms?
No. Every fraction on this page has a common factor greater than 1, so there is always something to cancel.
What grade is simplifying fractions?
Fourth grade introduces it; fifth grade expects it to be automatic, because every fraction answer is written in lowest terms from then on.
How do I know a fraction is fully simplified?
When no number other than 1 divides both the top and the bottom. Try 2, 3, 5 and 7 in turn. 12/18 divided by 2 is 6/9, which still shares a 3, so it is not finished until it reaches 2/3.