How to Simplify the Fraction 20/5

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In this video we will simplify (reduce) the fraction 20/5 into its simplest form. The key to simplifying fractions is to find a number that goes into both the numerator and denominator.

The number 5 will divide evenly into both 20 and 5.

We can list all of the factors that divide evenly into 20 and 5. When we do so we see that 5 is the highest common factor for both numbers.

If we divide 20 by 5 we get 4.
If we divide 5 by 5 we get 1.

This means that we can simplify 20/5 to 4/1. 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 20/5 is greater than the denominator we can also change 20/5 to a mixed fraction. As a mixed fraction 20/5 can be written as 4/1 or just 4.