In this video we will simplify (reduce) the fraction 8/40 into its simplest form. The key to simplifying fractions is to find a number that goes into both the numerator and denominator.
The number 8 will divide evenly into both 8 and 40.
We can list all of the factors that divide evenly into 8 and 40. When we do so we see that 8 is the highest common factor for both numbers.
If we divide 8 by 8 we get 1.
If we divide 40 by 8 we get 5.
This means that we can simplify 8/40 to 1/5. 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.
