Maths Fractions Notes

Fractions
Simplifying Fractions 2
More Complex Simplification 3
Multiplication and Division of Fractions 4
Addition and Subtraction of Fractions 5

, Simplifying Fractions
When a fraction is written in its simplest form it means that there is no number which can divide
into the numerator AND the denominator without a remainder.
To simplify the fraction we look for the HIGHEST COMMON FACTOR (HCF) and divide the
numerator and denominator by the HCF.

NUMERATOR / DENOMINATOR

Fractions MUST ALWAYS be written in their simplest form



1. 9/30 → the HCF of 9 and 30 is 3
= 3/10 → 9/3 = 3 and 30/3 = 10

2. 6xy/12yz → the HCF of 6xy and 12yz is 6y
= x / 2z → 6xy / 6y = x and 12yz / 6y = 2z