When writing a fractional answer, the fraction should be reduced to lowest terms or simplified.
To simplify a fraction, divide out or cancel out any factors other than one that are common to both the numerator and denominator.
Example: 6/8
Both 6 and 8 are divisible by 2.
6 = 2 \times 3
8 = 2 \times 4
Cancel out the common factor of 2, leaving \frac{3}{4}.
\frac{6}{8} and \frac{3}{4} are equivalent fractions.
A fraction is simplified when the only common factor between the numerator and denominator is 1.
Using TI-83/84 Calculator to Simplify Fractions
Enter the fraction as numerator ÷ denominator.
Press the MATH key, then ENTER twice.
Examples
Example 1: 3/9
3 = 3 \times 1
9 = 3 \times 3
Divide out the common factor of 3.
Simplified fraction: \frac{1}{3}.
Example 2: 12/28
12 = 4 \times 3
28 = 4 \times 7
Divide out the common factor of 4.
Simplified fraction: \frac{3}{7}.
If you didn't recognize that 4 went into both of those and you just started with the 2, you could still get to \frac{3}{7} eventually as long as you're paying attention to what you have and going, okay. Yeah. It's still divisible by two. So as long as there's a number other than one that will divide evenly into both, then it's still reducible.
Alternative Approach for 12/28
Divide out a 2:
12 = 2 \times 6
28 = 2 \times 14
This yields \frac{6}{14}.
Both 6 and 14 are divisible by 2, so divide out another 2:
6 = 2 \times 3
14 = 2 \times 7
This simplifies to \frac{3}{7}.
Calculator Usage
Input 3 ÷ 9, then MATH, ENTER, ENTER to get \frac{1}{3}.
Input 12 ÷ 28, then MATH, ENTER, ENTER to get \frac{3}{7}.
Example 3: 105/150
Using the calculator: 105 ÷ 150, then MATH, ENTER, ENTER.
Simplified fraction: \frac{7}{10}.
Example 4: 192/246
Using the calculator: 192 ÷ 246, then MATH, ENTER, ENTER.