3/12 Simplified

Learn how to find what is 3/12 simplified as a fraction just in a few minutes. We have covered why the GCF or factorization is important to simplify 3/12 in simplest form.

To reduce 3/12 in its lowest terms, you must be familiar with either how to find the greatest common factor or prime factors. Both of these methods are used to recognize if 3/12 can be reduced in simplest form. In this case, the (greatest common factor) GDF of 3 and 12 is 3. Dividing both the numerator and denominator by GCF, the fraction 3/12 becomes 1/4 which is the simplest form.

3/12 Simplified as a Fraction
Using Factorization:
3/12 = (?)
3/12 = (3)/(2 x 2 x 3)      write 3/12 in terms of factors
= 1/4
3/12 = 1/4
3/12 simplified is 1/4

Using GCF
3/12 = (?)
GCF of 3 and 12 is 3.
3/12 = (3/3)/(12/3)
= 1/4
3/12 = 1/4
3/12 simplified is 1/4 in fraction form
where,
3/12 is the given fraction to be simplified,
1/4 is the lowest term of 3/12.

Notes: 3/12 simplified in lowest terms
1. 3/12 can be simplified only if the GCF of numerator and denominator is greater than 1. In this case, the GCF of 3 and 12 is 3 which is the greatest factor that evenly divides both numerator and denominator, so this fraction 3/12 can be represented in its reduced form.
2. On the other hand, you can also reduce 3/12 in simplest form by using the factorization method. In this case, the numerator and denominator of fraction should be written in the form of prime factors, so the fraction 3/12 becomes (3)/(2 x 2 x 3). Now you can check and cancel the factors if any factors of numerator and denominator cancel each other to simplify 3/12 in its lowest terms.

step 1 Observe the input parameters and what to be found:
Input values:
Fraction = 3/12

what to be found:
3/12 = ?
Reduce 3/12 in lowest terms.

step 2 Find the prime factors of the numerator of given fraction 3/12.
Prime factors of 3 = 3

step 3 Find the prime factors of the denominator of given fraction 3/12.
Prime factors of 12 = 2 x 2 x 3

step 4 Rewrite the fraction 3/12 in the form of prime factors as like the below:
3/12= (3) / (2 x 2 x 3)

step 5 Check and reduce the factors of 3 and 12 if any factors in the numerator and denominator cancel each other:
= (3) / (2 x 2 x 3)
= (1)/(2 x 2 )
3/12 = 1/4
Hence,
3/12 in simplest form is 1/4.

3/12 simplified is 1/4, representing fraction in lowest terms is a better way than its original form, to easily recognize the fraction or use in mathematical operations. Simplifying 3/12 to its simplest form involves the greatest common factor or factorization. Recognizing the GCF or prime factors of numerator and denominator of a fraction is key when you start reducing fractions like 3/12 in its lowest terms.