Math · Stage 5
Simplify fractions and ratios quickly using common factors
Don't chip away by 2 again and again — spot the HIGHEST common factor and divide top and bottom (or both ratio parts) by it in one fast hop. Same value, smallest numbers.
✦ Math📘 Stage 5 · S5⏱ ~12 min🧒 Ages 9–10★ Free to start
I can simplify fractions and ratios quickly using common factors: divide top and bottom (or both ratio parts) by the highest common factor.
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Kavi's One-Hop Shortcut ⚡
Kavi sees 24/36 and a slow friend halves it again and again. "Too slow!" hoots Kavi. "I find the HIGHEST common factor of 24 and 36 — that's 12 — and divide both by it in one hop: 24/36 = 2/3. Ratios work the very same way ⚡."
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What your child will learn
1Fewer, bigger pieces — same shaded partHere is 6/8 shaded — 6 of 8 equal pieces. Watch the readout: the very same shaded amount can be drawn with fewer, bigger pieces. Grouping the 8 eighths into 4 quarters leaves exactly 3 shaded. Tap cells to explore.
2Divide top AND bottom by the SAME numberTo simplify, divide the top and the bottom by a number that goes into both — a common factor. Here is 8/12. Both 8 and 12 can be divided by 4 (their highest common factor): 8 ÷ 4 = 2 and 12 ÷ 4 = 3.
3Fractions and ratios — same methodThe China-fast move is identical for both. Find the HCF of the two numbers, then divide both by it in a single hop. Tap each card.
4Is it already in simplest form?
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A peek inside
Simplify 6/8 to its simplest form.
HCF of 6 and 8 is 2; divide both by 2: 6 ÷ 2 = 3 and 8 ÷ 2 = 4
Try this at home: The HCF of 6 and 8 is 2. Divide both by 2: 6/8 = __
Ready to play and learn?
Start the free interactive lesson, or print the handout for screen-free play.
Part of Math · Stage 5 · S5 on KAVI Academy — a secular, whole-child learning platform for ages 5–12.