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6/45 simplified

6/45 simplified

2 min read 22-10-2024
6/45 simplified

6/45 Simplified: Understanding Fractions and Simplifying

Fractions are a fundamental part of mathematics, representing a part of a whole. Simplifying fractions, like 6/45, makes them easier to understand and work with. This article will guide you through the process of simplifying fractions, using the example of 6/45, and offer practical applications.

What is 6/45?

The fraction 6/45 represents six parts out of a total of forty-five parts. To visualize this, imagine a pizza cut into 45 slices. 6/45 would represent six of those slices.

How to Simplify 6/45

Simplifying a fraction means finding an equivalent fraction with smaller numbers, while maintaining the same value. We achieve this by dividing both the numerator (top number) and denominator (bottom number) by their greatest common factor (GCF).

  1. Finding the GCF: The greatest common factor of 6 and 45 is 3. This means both numbers can be divided evenly by 3.

  2. Dividing by the GCF:

    • 6 divided by 3 equals 2.
    • 45 divided by 3 equals 15.
  3. Simplified Fraction: Therefore, 6/45 simplified is 2/15.

Key Takeaway: 2/15 represents the same portion of the whole as 6/45, but with smaller and simpler numbers.

Practical Applications of Simplifying Fractions

Simplifying fractions is useful in various situations:

  • Comparing Fractions: Simplifying makes it easier to compare the size of two fractions. For example, is 6/45 greater than or less than 1/3? Simplifying 6/45 to 2/15 reveals that it is indeed smaller than 1/3.

  • Calculations: Working with simplified fractions can make calculations like multiplication and division much easier.

  • Real-world Applications: Fractions are used in various real-world scenarios, like cooking, construction, and measurement. Simplifying fractions helps us to understand and work with these proportions effectively.

Example: Imagine you're baking a cake that calls for 6/45 cups of sugar. Simplifying this to 2/15 cups will make it easier to measure the exact amount.

Resources and Further Exploration

Conclusion:

Simplifying fractions is a fundamental skill that enhances our understanding and manipulation of these essential mathematical concepts. By learning this process and applying it to real-world scenarios, we gain valuable tools for everyday problem-solving.

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