How to Simplify the Fraction 40/100

In this video we will simplify (reduce) the fraction 40/100 into its simplest form. The key to simplifying fractions is to find a number that goes into both the numerator and denominator.
The number 10 will divide evenly into both 40 and 100.
We can list all of the factors that divide evenly into 40 and 100. When we do so we see that 10 is the highest common factor for both numbers.
If we divide 40 by 10 we get 2.
If we divide 100 by 10 we get 5.
This means that we can simplify 40/100 to 2/5. The fractions are equivalent. If you check on a calculator you will find that they have the same decimal value. So we haven't changed the quantity, just the way the fraction is expressed.