How to Simplify the Fraction 5/4 (and as a Mixed Fraction)

In this video we will simplify (reduce) the fraction 5/4 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 5 and 4.

We can list all of the factors that divide evenly into 5 and 4. When we do so we see that 1 is the highest common factor for both numbers.

If we divide 5 by 1 we get 5.
If we divide 4 by 1 we get 4.

This means that we can simplify 5/4 to 5/4. 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.

Note that since the numerator in 5/4 is greater than the denominator we can also change 5/4 to a mixed fraction. As a mixed fraction 5/4 can be written as 1 1/4.

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I hate that this makes so much more sense. ty