In this video we will simplify (reduce) the fraction 12/56 into its simplest form. The key to simplifying fractions is to find a number that goes into both the numerator and denominator.
The number 4 will divide evenly into both 12 and 56.
We can list all of the factors that divide evenly into 12 and 56. When we do so we see that 4 is the highest common factor for both numbers.
If we divide 12 by 4 we get 3.
If we divide 56 by 4 we get 14.
This means that we can simplify 12/56 to 3/14. 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.
