Question

How do you simplify the fraction `3/15`?

Answer 1

`1/5`

Explanation:

We have to find a `color(blue)"common factor"` which will divide into 3 and 15 and reduce the fraction.

This process is referred to as `color(blue)"cancelling"`

The lowest common factor here is `color(red)(3)`

`rArr3/15=(3÷color(red)(3))/(15÷color(red)(3))=1/5`

`" Usually written as" 3/15=cancel(3)^1/cancel(15)^5=1/5larr" simplest form"`

A fraction is in `color(blue)"simplest form"` when no other factor apart from 1 will divide into the numerator/denominator.