Reducing fractions

To reduce a fraction means to remove a common factor that the numerator and the denominator both have. This means that you have to factor both the numerator and denominator and then cancel any factors that appear in both the numerator and denominator. Multiply the remaining numbers (after you cancel the common factor in the denominator) in the numerator together to get the new numerator. Multiply the remaining numbers (after you cancel the common factor in the numerator) in the denominator together to get the new denominator. Here's an example:

	Remove the 3's and you get 2/3
Here's another example:
	Remove the 7's and you get 3/4

Now here's a problem for you. Reduce this fraction:

For more practice reducing fractions, see the Math Pak Unit 9.