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Fractions · Grade 5

Simplifying Fractions Worksheets

Simplifying changes the size and number of equal parts used to name an amount. It does not change the amount itself.

6 problemsAnswer key includedFree printableA4 & US Letter
Generate & printSee the worked example

Fewer pieces can describe the same amount

Imagine one strip divided into eight equal pieces, with six shaded. Pair the pieces. The strip now has four equal pairs, and three pairs are shaded. The shaded length has not changed: 6/8 = 3/4.

6/8: six eighths3/4: three fourths
Both strips represent the same-sized whole. The shaded endpoints match.

Divide both numbers by the same factor

Six and eight are both divisible by two. Dividing both by two gives 3/4. Dividing only the numerator would give 3/8, which is half as much.

  1. Find a whole-number factor greater than one shared by the numerator and denominator.
  2. Divide both numbers by that factor.
  3. Repeat until their only common factor is one.

One step or several steps?

For 12/18, dividing both numbers by six gives 2/3 directly. Dividing first by two gives 6/9, then dividing by three gives 2/3. Both paths preserve the value. The intermediate 6/9 is equivalent but is not yet in simplest form.

If the child subtracts the same number from both: compare 6/8 with 4/6 using strips. Subtracting two is not the same as grouping the pieces into equal pairs. Ask which operation preserves the shaded length.

Check without guessing

To check 6/8 = 3/4, multiply the numerator and denominator of 3/4 by two. You recover 6/8. Then check that three and four have no common factor greater than one.

About these six questions

Every question is a reducible proper fraction from the original bank, with an input denominator from 4 through 45. Write an equivalent fraction in simplest form and show a factor or grouping model. This supporting activity does not cover mixed numbers, improper fractions, or all equivalent-fraction skills.

Make a practice set

Choose what to print. Selecting both shows the answer key on screen and prints the questions followed by the answers.

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After the practice

Ask the child to explain why the original and simplified fractions are equal. A correct final fraction without that explanation may reflect a memorized rule. Rebuild the original fraction by multiplying both numbers by the same factor.

More about fractions · Grade 5 worksheets

Grade 5 selected skill connection: 5.NF.A.1 prerequisite: equivalent fractions. See the Common Core grade guidance. This worksheet does not cover every requirement in the standard.