How to Simplify the Fraction 9/3

In this video we will simplify (reduce) the fraction 9/3 into its simplest form. The key to simplifying fractions is to find a number that goes into both the numerator and denominator.

The number 3 will divide evenly into both 9 and 3.

We can list all of the factors that divide evenly into 9 and 3. When we do so we see that 3 is the highest common factor for both numbers.

If we divide 9 by 3 we get 3.
If we divide 3 by 3 we get `.

This means that we can simplify 9/3 to 3/1 or 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 9/3 is greater than the denominator we can also change 9/3 to a mixed fraction. As a mixed fraction 9/3 can be written as 3/1 or just 1.