In this video we will simplify (reduce) the fraction 10/55 into its simplest form. The key to simplifying fractions is to find a number that goes into both the numerator and denominator.
The number 5 will divide evenly into both 10 and 55.
We can list all of the factors that divide evenly into 10 and 55. When we do so we see that 5 is the highest common factor for both numbers.
If we divide 10 by 5 we get 2.
If we divide 55 by 5 we get 11.
This means that we can simplify 10/55 to 2/11. 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.
