Children at school learn the rules for reducing fractions in grade 6. In this article, we will first tell you what this action means, then explain how to convert a reduced fraction to an irreducible one. The next paragraph will be the rules for reducing fractions, and then we will gradually get to the examples.
What does "reduce fraction" mean?
So, we all know that ordinary fractions are divided into two groups: contractible and irreducible. Already by the names one can understand that those that are contractible are being reduced, and those that are irreducible are not being reduced.
- To reduce a fraction means to divide its denominator and numerator into their (different from unity) positive divisor. The result, of course, is a new fraction with a smaller denominator and numerator. The resulting fraction will be equal to the initial fraction.
It is worth noting that in books on mathematics with the task "reduce the fraction" this means that it is necessary to bring the original fraction to this irreducible form. In simple words, the division of the denominator and numerator by their largest common divisor is a reduction.
How to reduce the fraction. Rules for reducing fractions (Grade 6)
So, there are only two rules.
- The first rule to reduce fractions: first you will need to find the greatest common factor of the denominator and numerator of your fraction.
- The second rule: divide the denominator and numerator by the largest common factor, and ultimately get an irreducible fraction.
How to reduce the wrong fraction?
The rules for reducing fractions are identical to the rules for reducing fractions.
In order to reduce the wrong fraction, for a start it will be necessary to paint the denominator and numerator by simple factors, and only then reduce the common factors.
Mixed fraction reduction
The rules for reducing fractions also apply to the reduction of mixed fractions. There is only a small difference: we can not touch the whole part, but reduce the fractional fraction or the mixed fraction to the wrong one, then reduce it and again transfer it to the correct fraction.
There are two ways to reduce mixed fractions.
The first: to paint the fractional part into prime factors and then not to touch the whole part.
The second way: first convert to the wrong fraction, paint on the usual factors, then reduce the fraction. Transfer the already received wrong fraction to the correct one.
Examples can be seen in the photo above.
We really hope that we were able to help you and your children. Indeed, in the lessons they are often inattentive, so you have to deal more intensively at home independently.