In this article, we will explore the concept of simplifying fractions and apply it to the specific problem of simplifying the fraction 2/6. We will explain what the question means, provide the answer upfront, and then outline the method to solve the problem step by step. Additionally, we will provide solved examples and explain how to find the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD) or Highest Common Factor (HCF) of two numbers.
The question "2/6 simplified" is asking us to simplify the fraction 2/6 to its simplest form. A fraction is considered simplified when the numerator and denominator have no common factors other than 1. In other words, we need to find an equivalent fraction with the smallest possible numerator and denominator.
The simplified form of the fraction 2/6 is 1/3.
To simplify a fraction, we can follow these steps:
Let's apply the method to simplify the fraction 2/6:
Step 1: Find the GCD of 2 and 6. The factors of 2 are 1 and 2. The factors of 6 are 1, 2, 3, and 6. The GCD of 2 and 6 is 2.
Step 2: Divide both the numerator and denominator by the GCD. 2 ÷ 2 = 1 6 ÷ 2 = 3
Step 3: The simplified fraction is 1/3.
Therefore, the fraction 2/6 simplified to 1/3.
Example 1: Simplify the fraction 4/12. Solution: Step 1: Find the GCD of 4 and 12. The factors of 4 are 1, 2, and 4. The factors of 12 are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12. The GCD of 4 and 12 is 4.
Step 2: Divide both the numerator and denominator by the GCD. 4 ÷ 4 = 1 12 ÷ 4 = 3
Step 3: The simplified fraction is 1/3.
Therefore, the fraction 4/12 simplified to 1/3.
Example 2: Simplify the fraction 9/27. Solution: Step 1: Find the GCD of 9 and 27. The factors of 9 are 1, 3, and 9. The factors of 27 are 1, 3, 9, and 27. The GCD of 9 and 27 is 9.
Step 2: Divide both the numerator and denominator by the GCD. 9 ÷ 9 = 1 27 ÷ 9 = 3
Step 3: The simplified fraction is 1/3.
Therefore, the fraction 9/27 simplified to 1/3.
To find the GCD (or HCF) of two numbers, follow these steps:
For example, to find the GCD of 12 and 18: The factors of 12 are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12. The factors of 18 are 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, and 18. The common factors are 1, 2, 3, and 6. The largest common factor is 6. Therefore, the GCD of 12 and 18 is 6.
Simplifying fractions involves finding the GCD (or HCF) of the numerator and denominator and dividing both by it. In the case of the fraction 2/6, the simplified form is 1/3. By following the step-by-step solution provided in this article, you can simplify any fraction and express it in its simplest form.