In this video we will simplify (reduce) the fraction 8/12 into its simplest form. The key to simplifying fractions is to find a number that goes into both the numerator and denominator.

The number 4 will divide evenly into both 8 and 12.

We can list all of the factors that divide evenly into 8 and 12. When we do so we see that 4 is the highest common factor for both numbers.

If we divide 8 by 4 we get 2.
If we divide 12 by 4 we get 3.

This means that we can simplify 8/12 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.

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