What is the simplest form of 4/10 in fractions
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The simplest form of the fraction 4/10 is 2/5.
Explanation
To simplify a fraction, we divide both the numerator (top number) and the denominator (bottom number) by their greatest common factor (GCF). The GCF is the largest number that evenly divides both the numerator and the denominator.
In this case, the fraction is 4 over 10. We need to find the greatest number that can divide both 4 and 10 without leaving a remainder.
Start by listing the factors of 4:
1, 2, 4
Now list the factors of 10:
1, 2, 5, 10
The common factors between 4 and 10 are:
1, 2
The greatest of these common factors is 2.
So, we divide both the numerator and the denominator by 2:
- 4 divided by 2 equals 2
- 10 divided by 2 equals 5
Therefore, 4/10 simplified is 2/5.
Why do we simplify fractions? Simplifying fractions makes them easier to understand and compare. For example, if you are sharing a pizza and someone says you can have 4/10 of it, you might not immediately know how that compares to someone who gets 1/2. But if you simplify 4/10 to 2/5, it’s easier to recognize that 2/5 is slightly less than 1/2.
Also, in many cases, simplified fractions are preferred in math and everyday use because they are neater and clearer. Simplification does not change the actual value of the fraction — it only presents it in a reduced form.
In summary, to simplify 4/10, find the GCF of 4 and 10, which is 2. Divide both numbers by 2, and you get the simplest form: 2/5.
