Write each fraction in lowest terms. 16/20

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the numerator and the denominator. In this case, find the GCD of 16 and 20.
2. Divide both the numerator and the denominator by their GCD.
3. Rewrite the fraction using the results from the division.
4. Check if the new fraction can be simplified further by finding any common factors.
5. If no further simplification is possible, the fraction is now in its lowest terms.

Key Concepts

Lowest Terms

A fraction is in lowest terms when the numerator and denominator have no common factors other than 1. This means that the fraction cannot be simplified further. To express a fraction in lowest terms, you divide both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD).

Greatest Common Divisor (GCD)

The greatest common divisor is the largest positive integer that divides two or more integers without leaving a remainder. Finding the GCD is essential for simplifying fractions, as it helps identify the common factors between the numerator and denominator. Methods to find the GCD include listing factors, using the Euclidean algorithm, or prime factorization.

Simplifying Fractions

Simplifying fractions involves reducing them to their lowest terms by eliminating common factors. This process makes fractions easier to work with and understand. For example, the fraction 16/20 can be simplified by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD, which is 4, resulting in the simplified fraction 4/5.