In this video we will simplify (reduce) the fraction 15/3 into its simplest form. The key to simplifying fractions is to find a number that goes into both the numerator and denominator.

The number 3 will divide evenly into both 15 and 3.

We can list all of the factors that divide evenly into 15 and 3. When we do so we see that 3 is the highest common factor for both numbers.

If we divide 15 by 3 we get 5.
If we divide 3 by 3 we get 1.

This means that we can simplify 15/3 to 5/1. 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.

Note that since the numerator in 15/3 is greater than the denominator we can also change 15/3 to a mixed fraction. As a mixed fraction 15/3 can be written as 5/1 or just 5.

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