How to Simplify the Fraction 2/6

In this video we will simplify (reduce) the fraction 2/6 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 2 and 6.

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

If we divide 2 by 2 we get 1.
If we divide 6 by 2 we get 3.

This means that we can simplify 2/6 to 1/3. 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.