Fraction Simplifier

Lowest terms, the common factor that got you there, and the decimal and percentage it equals

Simplifying a fraction means dividing the top and the bottom by the same number until nothing divides them both. This tool does that, but it also shows the factor it used and the prime factors of each number — because seeing where the common factor comes from is what lets you do the next one without a tool.

Frequently asked questions

How do you simplify a fraction?

Divide the numerator and the denominator by the same number until no number greater than 1 divides both. 18/24 divides by 6 to give 3/4.

What does lowest terms mean?

A fraction is in lowest terms when the only number that divides both the top and the bottom is 1. 3/4 is in lowest terms; 6/8 is not.

How do I find the greatest common divisor?

Break both numbers into prime factors and multiply the ones they share. For 18 (2 × 3 × 3) and 24 (2 × 2 × 2 × 3), the shared factors are 2 and 3, so the divisor is 6.

How do I turn a fraction into a percentage?

Divide the top by the bottom to get a decimal, then multiply by 100. 3 ÷ 4 = 0.75, so 3/4 is 75%.

Which fractions give a repeating decimal?

Any fraction whose denominator in lowest terms has a prime factor other than 2 or 5. 1/3 and 1/7 repeat; 1/8 and 3/20 do not.