Final answer:
To simplify and write a fraction in the lowest term, find the greatest common factor (GCF) of the numerator and denominator and then divide both numbers by the GCF. The fraction should be reduced to its lowest terms, meaning the numerator and denominator have no common factors other than 1.
Step-by-step explanation:
Simplifying and Writing in Lowest Terms
To simplify and write a fraction in the lowest term, we need to find the greatest common factor (GCF) of the numerator and denominator and then divide both numbers by the GCF. The GCF is the largest number that divides evenly into both the numerator and denominator. After dividing, the fraction should be reduced to its lowest terms, meaning the numerator and denominator have no common factors other than 1.
For example, let's say we have the fraction 24/36. The GCF of 24 and 36 is 12 (because 12 is the largest number that divides evenly into both). Dividing both the numerator and denominator by 12 gives us 2/3, which is the fraction in its lowest terms.
Remember, simplifying and writing a fraction in its lowest term is important because it gives us the simplest form of the fraction.