Remember that some fractions are reducible and can be simplified into fractions with lesser (smaller) numbers on the top and in the denominator. First, ask if the fraction is equal to or greater than one. If it is greater than one, then divide. Your answer may be a mixed number with a fraction that can be simplified. Deal with this as you would any other fraction that is less than one. We know that a fraction can be simplified if we can count by a number other than one to reach both parts of the fraction. We can simplify fractions by finding the fraction of one. Find the greatest common factor and set it as a fraction equaling one.
For example, the greatest common factor of 
is 4. So the fraction of one is 
. Now we ask what number times 4 equals 8 and what number times 4 equals 12.
The answer is 
. Remember, if you see the simplification symbol 
, you must simplify your answer to either a whole number or a whole number with a remainder.
