Divide both the numerator and denominator by their HCF. The fraction has now been simplified. Knowing multiplication and division facts may make simplifying fractions easier. The HCF of 4 and 10 is 2.

In adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators, you have to get a least common denominator which is exactly like the least common multiple it just so happens to be in the denominator.

Fractions are the basis for most higher-level mathematics. Students need to master the numerical values in earlier grades to tackle topics like algebra later. There’s only one hitch: Fractions can ...