🔢 Lowest Term Calculator
Reduce fractions to lowest terms
Fraction (numerator/denominator)
How to Use This Calculator
Enter Numerator
Input the numerator (top number) of the fraction.
Enter Denominator
Input the denominator (bottom number) of the fraction. Cannot be zero.
Calculate
Press "Reduce to Lowest Terms" to find the fraction in its simplest form.
View Result
See the fraction in lowest terms, GCD, decimal value, and mixed number form (if applicable).
Formula
Lowest Terms = (numerator ÷ GCD) / (denominator ÷ GCD)
where GCD is the Greatest Common Divisor
Example: Reduce 12/18 to lowest terms
Step 1: Find GCD(12, 18) = 6
Step 2: 12 ÷ 6 = 2, 18 ÷ 6 = 3
Step 3: Lowest terms = 2/3
Check: 12/18 = 2/3 ✓ (both represent the same value, 0.666...)
About Lowest Term Calculator
The Lowest Term Calculator reduces fractions to their lowest terms (simplest form). A fraction is in lowest terms when the numerator and denominator have no common factors except 1 (i.e., GCD = 1).
When to Use This Calculator
- Fractions: Simplify fractions to lowest terms
- Mathematics: Reduce fractions for calculations and comparisons
- Education: Learn fraction simplification
- Algebra: Simplify fractions in equations
- Daily Math: Convert fractions to simplest form
Understanding Lowest Terms
A fraction is in lowest terms (simplest form) when the numerator and denominator have no common factors except 1. To reduce a fraction to lowest terms:
- Find the GCD (Greatest Common Divisor) of numerator and denominator
- Divide both numerator and denominator by the GCD
- The result is the fraction in lowest terms
Example: 12/18. GCD(12, 18) = 6. 12 ÷ 6 = 2, 18 ÷ 6 = 3. Lowest terms: 2/3.
Why Use Our Calculator?
- ✅ Automatic GCD Calculation: Finds GCD automatically using Euclidean algorithm
- ✅ Instant Simplification: Reduces fractions to lowest terms instantly
- ✅ Multiple Formats: Shows simplified fraction, decimal, and mixed number
- ✅ 100% Accurate: Precise mathematical calculations
- ✅ Completely Free: No registration required
Frequently Asked Questions
What are lowest terms?
Lowest terms (simplest form) means a fraction where the numerator and denominator have no common factors except 1. The GCD of numerator and denominator is 1. Example: 2/3 is in lowest terms, but 4/6 is not (GCD = 2).
How do I reduce a fraction to lowest terms?
Find the GCD of numerator and denominator, then divide both by the GCD. Example: 12/18, GCD = 6, so 12÷6 = 2, 18÷6 = 3, giving 2/3 in lowest terms.
Is 1/2 in lowest terms?
Yes! GCD(1, 2) = 1, so 1/2 is already in lowest terms. Any fraction where GCD = 1 is in lowest terms.
What if the fraction is already in lowest terms?
The calculator will show that the fraction is already in lowest terms (GCD = 1). The simplified form will be the same as the original.
Can I reduce negative fractions?
Yes! The calculator handles negative fractions. The GCD is calculated using absolute values, and the sign is preserved in the result. Example: -12/18 reduces to -2/3.
What's the difference between "lowest terms" and "simplified fraction"?
They mean the same thing! Both refer to a fraction in its simplest form where numerator and denominator have no common factors except 1 (GCD = 1).