Simplify 1/2

Reduce the fraction 1/2 to its lowest terms with a complete step-by-step solution.

Answer: 1/2 = \frac{1}{2}

Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1 Identify the Fraction

We need to simplify the fraction 1/2 to its lowest terms.

A fraction is in lowest terms when the numerator and denominator have no common factors other than 1.

\frac{1}{2} = ?

Step 2 Find Factors of the Numerator

First, let's find all factors of 1 (the numerator).

Factors are numbers that divide evenly into 1.

\text{Factors of } 1: 1

Step 3 Find Factors of the Denominator

Now let's find all factors of 2 (the denominator).

\text{Factors of } 2: 1, 2

Step 4 Find the Greatest Common Factor (GCF)

The common factors of 1 and 2 are: 1

The Greatest Common Factor (GCF) is the largest of these: 1

We will divide both the numerator and denominator by 1.

\text{GCF}(1, 2) = 1

Step 5 Divide Both by the GCF

Divide the numerator by 1: 1 ÷ 1 = 1

Divide the denominator by 1: 2 ÷ 1 = 2

\frac{1}{2} = \frac{1 \div 1}{2 \div 1} = \frac{1}{2}

Step 6 Result

The fraction 1/2 is already in its simplest form!

The numerator and denominator have no common factors other than 1.

\frac{1}{2} \text{ is already simplified}