Question

Write 12/32 in simplest form. You must show your work to receive all possible points.

Answer 1

Answer:

$\dfrac{3}{8}$

Explanation:

A fraction is in simplest form when the numerator (top) and denominator (bottom) cannot be any smaller, while still being whole numbers.

To simplify a fraction, divide the numerator and the denominator by the greatest number that will divide both numbers exactly (they must stay whole numbers). To identify the greatest divisor, factorise both numbers.

Since

$12=2\cdot 2\cdot 3\\ \\32=2\cdot 2\cdot 2\cdot 2\cdot 2$

you can divide the numerator and the denominator by $2\cdot 2=4$

$\dfrac{12}{32}=\dfrac{2\cdot 2\cdot 3}{2\cdot 2\cdot 2\cdot 2\cdot 2}=\dfrac{3}{2\cdot 2\cdot 2}=\dfrac{3}{8}$