In this video we will simplify (reduce) the fraction 9/18 into its simplest form. The key to simplifying fractions is to find a number that goes into both the numerator and denominator.
The number 9 will divide evenly into both 9 and 18.
We can list all of the factors that divide evenly into 9 and 18. When we do so we see that 9 is the highest common factor for both numbers.
If we divide 9 by 9 we get 1.
If we divide 18 by 9 we get 2.
This means that we can simplify 9/18 to 1/2. 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.
