45/4 simplified

less than a minute read 22-10-2024

Simplifying Fractions: A Step-by-Step Guide to 45/4

Fractions are an essential part of mathematics, and simplifying them is a crucial skill. Let's explore how to simplify the fraction 45/4.

Understanding Simplification

Simplifying a fraction means expressing it in its simplest form, where the numerator and denominator have no common factors other than 1. This process is also known as reducing the fraction.

Simplifying 45/4

Prime Factorization: The first step is to find the prime factors of both the numerator (45) and the denominator (4).
- 45 = 3 x 3 x 5
- 4 = 2 x 2
Identifying Common Factors: We can see that there are no common prime factors between 45 and 4.
The Result: Since there are no common factors to cancel, the fraction 45/4 is already in its simplest form.

Representing the Answer

We can represent 45/4 in a few different ways:

Improper Fraction: 45/4 remains as the simplest improper fraction.
Mixed Number: 45/4 can be converted to a mixed number: 11 1/4 (11 times 4 is 44, plus the remaining 1 gives us the numerator of the fraction).
Decimal: 45/4 can be converted to a decimal: 11.25.

Key Takeaway

Although 45/4 doesn't simplify further, the process of identifying common factors and simplifying fractions is a valuable skill. By breaking down numbers into their prime factors, you can efficiently determine the simplest form of any fraction.

Additional Resources

For further exploration of simplifying fractions, check out these online resources:

Khan Academy: https://www.khanacademy.org/math/arithmetic/fractions/simplifying-fractions/v/simplifying-fractions-1
PurpleMath: https://www.purplemath.com/modules/fracred.htm

Note: This content was created with inspiration from a GitHub discussion related to simplifying fractions. The content was then expanded and optimized for a wider audience.