How to Simplify the Fraction 1/4

In this video we will simplify (reduce) the fraction 1/4 into its simplest form. The key to simplifying fractions is to find a number that goes into both the numerator and denominator.

The number 1 will divide evenly into both 1 and 4.

We can list all of the factors that divide evenly into 1 and 4. When we do so we see that 1 is the highest common factor for both numbers.
If we divide 1 by 1 we get 1.
If we divide 4 by 1 we get 4.

This means that we can simplify 1/4 to 1/4. 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.