In this video we will simplify (reduce) the fraction 4/16 into its simplest form. The key to simplifying fractions is to find a number that goes into both the numerator and denominator. The number 4 will divide evenly into both 4 and 16. We can list all of the factors that divide evenly into 4 and 16. When we do so we see that 4 is the highest common factor for both numbers. If we divide 4 by 4 we get 1. If we divide 16 by 4 we get 4. This means that we can simplify 4/16 to 1/4. 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.