Problem 32 - Introductory Algebra for College Students

Question

Simplify each fraction by reducing it to its lowest terms. $$\frac{18}{45}$$

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The simplified form of the fraction \(\frac{18}{45}\) is \(\frac{2}{5}\).

Step 1: Identify the numbers

The given fraction is \(\frac{18}{45}\). Here, 18 is the numerator and 45 is the denominator.

Step 2: Find the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD)

The GCD of 18 and 45 is 9. The GCD is the largest number that divides both 18 and 45 without a remainder.

Step 3: Divide the numerator and the denominator by the GCD

Divide the numerator (18) and the denominator (45) by the GCD (9). So we get, \(\frac{18 ÷ 9}{45 ÷ 9} = \frac{2}{5}\).

Step 4: Write the simplified fraction

The simplified or the reduced form of the given fraction is \(\frac{2}{5}\). Hence, \(\frac{18}{45}\) can be simplified to \(\frac{2}{5}\).