How to Simplify Fractions with Large Numbers

Check for prime factorization or use the greatest common divisor (GCD) to simplify further.

Start by checking if both the numerator and the denominator are even. If so, divide both by 2.

Divide by 2 again until one or both numbers are no longer even.

Try to divide by 3 if the numbers are multiples of 3.

Yes, 9 and 12 are multiples of 3, so divide both by 3 to get 3 over 4.

Check if they are divisible by another common factor, like 3 or 5.

Both numbers are divisible by 5.

Yes, 35 over 75 becomes 7 over 15 when divided by 5.

They are divisible by 5.

Divide both the numerator and the denominator by 5.

Yes, 55 over 90 becomes 11 over 18 when divided by 5.

No, if the numbers are not even, check for divisibility by 3 or 5.

Check for divisibility by other numbers, but this requires knowing your multiplication tables.

Yes, but 2, 3, and 5 are the most common for simplifying fractions.

Check for divisibility by other prime numbers.

Yes, 21 over 45 becomes 7 over 15 when divided by 3.

Divide by the larger common divisor directly.

If you recognize that 40 and 64 are multiples of 8, you can divide by 8 to get the answer directly.

No, you can start with the smallest common divisor and continue simplifying.

Check for divisibility by other numbers, but this can be more complex.

Yes, 40 over 64 can be simplified directly by dividing by 8 to get 5 over 8.

Ensure that the numerator and the denominator have no common factors other than 1.

Check for prime factorization or use the greatest common divisor (GCD) to simplify further.

Start by checking if both the numerator and the denominator are even. If so, divide both by 2.