In this video we will simplify (reduce) the fraction 7/4 into its simplest form. The key to simplifying fractions is to find a number that goes into both the numerator and denominator.
The number 1 will divide evenly into both 7 and 4.
We can list all of the factors that divide evenly into 7 and 4. When we do so we see that 1 is the highest common factor for both numbers.
If we divide 7 by 1 we get 7.
If we divide 4 by 1 we get 4.
This means that we can simplify 7/4 to 7/4. The fractions are equivalent. If you check on a calculator you will find that they have the same decimal value. So we haven't changed the quantity, just the way the fraction is expressed.
