Problem 31 - Introductory Algebra for College Students

Question

Simplify each fraction by reducing it to its lowest terms. $$\frac{15}{18}$$

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The fraction \(\frac{15}{18}\) simplified to its lowest terms is \(\frac{5}{6}\).

Step 1: Identify the Numerator and the Denominator

In the fraction \(\frac{15}{18}\), the numerator is 15 and the denominator is 18.

Step 2: Find the GCD of the Numerator and the Denominator

The GCD of 15 and 18 is 3. You can find this by listing all the divisors of each number and looking for the largest number that appears on both lists.

Step 3: Simplify the Fraction

To simplify the fraction, divide the numerator and the denominator by their GCD. In this case, divide 15 and 18 each by 3 to get \(\frac{15}{3}\) and \(\frac{18}{3}\), which simplifies to \(\frac{5}{6}\).