In this video, we will simplify (reduce) the fraction 18/35 into its simplest form. The key to simplifying fractions is to find a number that goes into both the numerator and denominator.
The number 1 will divide evenly into both 18 and 35.
We can list all of the factors that divide evenly into 18 and 35. When we do so, we see that 1 is the highest common factor for both numbers. If we divide 18 by 1, we get 18. If we divide 35 by 1, we get 35.
This means that we can simplify 18/35 to 18/35. The fractions are equivalent. If you check on a calculator, you will find that they have the same decimal value. So we haven't changed the quantity, just the way the fraction is expressed.