Simplify the fraction 3/15
The correct Answer and Explanation is:
To simplify the fraction 315\frac{3}{15}153, follow these steps:
- Identify the greatest common divisor (GCD): The GCD is the largest number that divides both the numerator (3) and the denominator (15) without leaving a remainder. In this case, the GCD of 3 and 15 is 3.
- Divide both the numerator and the denominator by the GCD:
3÷315÷3=15\frac{3 \div 3}{15 \div 3} = \frac{1}{5}15÷33÷3=51.
So, the simplified form of 315\frac{3}{15}153 is 15\frac{1}{5}51.
Explanation:
Simplifying fractions is an essential concept in mathematics because it reduces the fraction to its simplest or most basic form, where the numerator and denominator have no common factors other than 1. In the fraction 315\frac{3}{15}153, both 3 and 15 share the factor 3.
To simplify, you need to find the greatest common divisor (GCD), which is the largest number that can divide both the numerator and the denominator evenly. In this case, 3 is the GCD of both 3 and 15. Dividing the numerator and denominator by their GCD ensures the fraction is in its lowest terms. After dividing both by 3, the fraction becomes 15\frac{1}{5}51.
In real-life applications, simplifying fractions makes calculations easier and more understandable. For example, if you were dividing a pizza into 15 slices and you ate 3 slices, saying you ate 15\frac{1}{5}51 of the pizza gives a clearer idea of the portion consumed compared to saying 315\frac{3}{15}153.
Moreover, simplifying fractions helps when adding, subtracting, or comparing fractions. It ensures that all fractions are represented in their most basic form, making it easier to work with them in various mathematical operations.