Question

Which fraction does not belong with the other three? 1/12, 2/12, 3/12 or 4/12. Explain why

Answer 1

1/12 does not belong with the others because you can simplify the others, but not 1/12

Answer 2

Explanation:

A fraction
`(a)/(b)` is said to be in simplest form if
`HCF(a,b)=1` .

HCF(a,b) refers to highest common factor of a and b .

For
`(2)/(12)` :

Factors of 2 are 1 and 2

Factors of 12 are 1,2,3,4,6,12

HCF(2,12)=2≠1

So,
`(2)/(12)` is not in simplest form.

For
`(3)/(12)`:

Factors of 3 are 1, 3

Factors of 12 are 1,2,3,4,6,12

HCF(3,12)=3≠1

So,
`(3)/(12)` is not in simplest form.

For
`(4)/(12)`

Factors of 4 are 1,2,4

Factors of 12 are 1,2,3,4,6,12

HCF(4,12)=4≠1

So,
`(4)/(12)` is not in simplest form.

For
`(1)/(12)` ,

Factor of 1 is 1

Factors of 12 are 1,2,3,4,6,12

HCF(1,12)=1

So,
`(1)/(12)` is in simplest form.

Therefore, among given fractions
`(1)/(12)` is in simplest form, hence, does not belong with the other three .