How to Simplify Large Fractions Using Divisibility Rules

The Organic Chemistry Tutor

This instructional video demonstrates practical strategies for simplifying fractions containing larger numbers. Instead of requiring students to immediately identify the Greatest Common Factor (GCF), the narrator teaches an incremental approach using basic divisibility rules. The video walks through five distinct examples, showing how to break down complex fractions step-by-step by identifying if numbers are divisible by 2, 3, or 5. The key themes explored include fraction equivalence, division, and number sense. The video explicitly covers how to identify even numbers for division by 2, checking for multiples of 3, and recognizing numbers ending in 0 or 5 for division by 5. It emphasizes the fundamental rule of fractions: whatever operation is applied to the numerator must also be applied to the denominator. For educators, this video serves as an excellent tool for differentiating instruction. It provides a scaffolded method for students who struggle with multiplication tables or finding the GCF of large numbers. By breaking the simplification process into smaller, manageable division steps, the method reduces cognitive load and builds student confidence in handling difficult arithmetic problems.