Understanding fractions and least terms
Fractions are a fundamental concept in mathematics and have applications in various fields of science. They are used to represent a part of a whole or a ratio between two quantities. When working with fractions, it is important to simplify them to their lowest terms in order to express them in their simplest form. In this article we will explore the concept of lowest terms and find the lowest term of the fraction 5/25.
What are lowest terms?
Lowest common denominator, also known as simplest form or reduced form, refers to expressing a fraction using the smallest possible whole numbers for the numerator and denominator. To obtain lowest terms, we must divide both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD). The GCD is the largest number that divides both the numerator and the denominator without leaving a remainder.
Simplifying the 5/25 Fraction
Now let’s apply the concept of least common denominator to the fraction 5/25. To find the GCD of the numerator (5) and the denominator (25), we can use the Euclidean algorithm. The Euclidean algorithm states that to find the GCD of two numbers, we divide the larger number by the smaller number, and then continue to divide the divisor by the remainder until the remainder becomes zero.
Using the Euclidean algorithm, let’s find the GCD of 5 and 25:
25 ÷ 5 = 5 with a remainder of 0
Since the remainder is zero, we can conclude that the GCD of 5 and 25 is 5. To simplify the fraction 5/25 to its smallest terms, we divide both the numerator and the denominator by their GCD:
5 ÷ 5 = 1
25 ÷ 5 = 5
Therefore, the lowest term in the fraction 5/25 is 1/5.
Importance of the Lowest Terms
Expressing fractions in their least significant terms is important for several reasons. First, it provides a
FAQs
What is the lowest term of 5 25?
The term “5 25” appears to be written in an unusual format. It is unclear what it represents. Could you please provide more context or clarify the question?
What is the lowest term of a fraction 5/25?
To find the lowest term of a fraction, we need to simplify it by dividing both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD). In this case, the GCD of 5 and 25 is 5. By dividing both the numerator and the denominator by 5, we get the simplified fraction 1/5. Therefore, the lowest term of 5/25 is 1/5.
