How to Simplify the Fraction 10/6

In this video we will simplify (reduce) the fraction 10/6 into its simplest form. The key to simplifying fractions is to find a number that goes into both the numerator and denominator.

The number 2 will divide evenly into both 10 and 6.

We can list all of the factors that divide evenly into 10 and 6. When we do so we see that 2 is the highest common factor for both numbers.
If we divide 10 by 2 we get 5.
If we divide 6 by 2 we get 3.

This means that we can simplify 10/6 to 5/3. 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 8/6 is greater than the denominator we can also change 8/6 to a mixed fraction. As a mixed fraction 8/6 can be written as 1 1/3.