Simplifying 42/24

How to reduce 42/24 to its simplest form

To simplify 42/24 we have to divide both numerator (42) and denominator (24) by their greatest common factor (GCF). In other words, writing a fraction in its simplest form means that both numerator and denominator can no longer be divided by the same whole number other than 1.

Result simplifying 42/24

Greatest Common Factor (GCF): 6

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Simplifying 42/24 step by step

Find the greatest common factor of 42 and 24

To simplify a fraction, look for the greatest common factor of the numerator and the denominator. The greatest common divisor of 42 and the 24 is 6. We therefore divide the numerator and denominator by 6.

42 / 6

24 / 6

If your fraction is improper, simplify it as a mixed number.

An improper fraction is a fraction that has a larger numerator than denominator. To simplify an improper fraction as a mixed number (a number that combines a whole number and a fraction) you have to determine how many times the denominator fits the numerator. In this case the denominator (4) fits the numerator (7) 1 times. The leaves us with a remainder of 3. Therefore we can rewrite the fraction like this:

(1 x 4) + 3

Simplify fractions

If a fraction is not yet in its simplest form, you can rewrite (reduce) it into a fraction where numerator and denominator are as small as possible. Try our simplified fraction calculator to simplify your fractions and find the greatest common factor (GCF).

Simplify fraction calculator

A fraction is irreducible (in its simplest form) when the numerator and denominator have no common factors other than 1. In that case the greatest common factor is 1.