Question

Write each of the following in lowest terms:

$\frac{12}{60}$

Answer 1

• Step 1: It can be observed that $2$ is the common factor of $12$ and $60$. Divide the numerator and denominator by the common factor $2$.

$\frac{12÷2}{60÷2}=\frac{6}{30}$

• Step 2: Again, there is a common factor of $6$ and $30$ that is $2$. Divide the numerator and denominator of the obtained fraction $\frac{6}{30}$ by $2$.

$\frac{6÷2}{30÷2}=\frac{3}{15}$

• Step 3: Once again, there is a common factor of $3$ and $15$ that is $3$. Divide the numerator and denominator of the obtained fraction $\frac{3}{15}$ by $3$.

$\frac{3÷3}{15÷3}=\frac{1}{5}$

• Hence, the simplest form of $\frac{12}{60}$ is $\frac{1}{5}$.