In this video we will simplify (reduce) the fraction 24/3 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 24 and 3.

We can list all of the factors that divide evenly into 24 and 3. When we do so we see that 3 is the highest common factor for both numbers.

If we divide 24 by 3 we get 8.
If we divide 3 by 3 we get 1.

This means that we can simplify 24/3 to 8/1. 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 24/3 is greater than the denominator we can also change 24/3 to a mixed fraction. As a mixed fraction 24/3 can be written as 8/1 or just 8.

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