How to Simplify the Fraction 6/40

In this video we will simplify (reduce) the fraction 6/40 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 6 and 40.

We can list all of the factors that divide evenly into 6 and 40. When we do so we see that 2 is the highest common factor for both numbers.

If we divide 6 by 2 we get 3.
If we divide 40 by 2 we get 20.

This means that we can simplify 6/40 to 3/20. 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.