what is 7/20 as a simplified fraction
The correct answer and explanation is:
The fraction 7/20 is already in its simplest form. Here’s why:
A fraction is in its simplest form when the numerator (top number) and the denominator (bottom number) have no common factors other than 1. To simplify a fraction, you divide both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD). The GCD is the largest number that divides both the numerator and the denominator evenly.
First, let’s check the factors of 7. Since 7 is a prime number, its only divisors are 1 and 7.
Now, let’s check the factors of 20. The divisors of 20 are 1, 2, 4, 5, 10, and 20.
The only common factor between 7 and 20 is 1. Therefore, the GCD of 7 and 20 is 1, which means the fraction cannot be simplified any further.
In other words, 7/20 is already in its simplest form. There’s no number greater than 1 that divides both 7 and 20, so no further simplification is possible.
The concept of simplifying fractions is important in mathematics because it makes numbers easier to work with, especially when performing operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. By simplifying fractions, it’s easier to compare and understand the values. For example, in this case, 7/20 represents a fraction that is already in its most reduced form, making it clear and concise.