Concept 9.2: Fraction in its towest Terms
Think
Poola knows the method of finding equivalent fractions by both diviston and multiplication. She wants to know where she could use the division methed equivalent fractions. Do you know where it is used?
In the chapter on division, we have learnt how to find factors of a number. find the H.C.F. of the given numbers. Let us solve the following to recall the Find the H.C.F. of these numbers.
a) 36,48
b) 26,65
c) 16,48
d) 20,60
e) 11,44
Remembering and Understanding
We have seen that \( \frac{1}{3}, \frac{2}{6}, \frac{7}{21}, \frac{10}{30} \ldots \) are all equivalent fractions. However said to be in the lowest terms. It is because its numerator and denominat common factors other than 1.
A fraction can be reduced to its lowest terms using either division or H.C.F. Reducing a fraction using division
Example 7: Reduce the following fractions to their lowest terms.
a) \( \frac{36}{48} \)
b) \( \frac{26}{65} \)
lution:
a) \( \frac{36}{48}=\frac{36 \div 2}{48 \div 2}=\frac{18 \div 2}{24 \div 2}=\frac{9 \div 3}{12 \div 3}=\frac{3}{4} \)
Therefore, when reduced to its lowest terms, \( \frac{36}{48} \) be