In this video we will simplify (reduce) the fraction 12/36 into its simplest form. The key to simplifying fractions is to find a number that goes into both the numerator and denominator.
The number 12 will divide evenly into both 12 and 36.
We can list all of the factors that divide evenly into 12 and 36. When we do so we see that 12 is the highest common factor for both numbers.
If we divide 12 by 12 we get 1.
If we divide 36 by 12 we get 3.
This means that we can simplify 12/36 to 1/3. The fractions are equivalent. If you check on a calculator you will find that they have the same decimal value. So we haven't changed the quantity, just the way the fraction is expressed.
