In this video we will simplify (reduce) the fraction 16/24 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 16 and 24.
We can list all of the factors that divide evenly into 16 and 24. When we do so we see that 8 is the highest common factor for both numbers.
If we divide 16 by 8 we get 2.
If we divide 24 by 8 we get 3.
This means that we can simplify 16/24 to 2/3. 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.
