Question

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

Answer 1

`(3)/(8)`

Step-by-step 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`

`(12)/(32)=(2\cdot 2\cdot 3)/(2\cdot 2\cdot 2\cdot 2\cdot 2)=(3)/(2\cdot 2\cdot 2)=(3)/(8)`