# What does it mean to simplify in math?

Simplifying in math generally refers to fractions. To simplify a fraction, find the highest number that divides into both the numerator, or the top number, and the denominator, or the bottom number. Then, divide that number into both parts of the fraction to simplify.

The highest number that divides into both parts of the fraction is called the greatest common factor. If you are trying to simplify the fraction 8/12, you find that the greatest common factor is 4. Divide the numerator by 4 to get 2. Divide the denominator by 4 to get 2. Therefore, simplifying 8/12 leads you to the answer of 2/3.

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Q&A Related to "What does it mean to simplify in math?"
 1. Carry out any exponential operations that lie outside of any parentheses. For example, for the expression "4(x+4) + (2x+3)2, you must square the "2x+3) term before carrying http://www.ehow.com/how_7878376_simplify-math-prob...
 1. Know the order of operations. When simplifying math expressions, you can't simply proceed from left to right, multiplying, adding, subtracting, and so on as you go. Some math operations http://www.wikihow.com/Simplify-Math-Expressions
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