Calculate the Fraction: Dividing 5 by 15 Step-by-Step

Q: Why do I write 5 ÷ 15 as a fraction instead of doing division?

Writing division as a fraction shows the exact relationship between numbers. When we write $ \frac{5}{15} $, we can see clearly how to simplify by finding common factors!

Q: How do I know what number to divide both parts by?

Look for the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD). Ask yourself: what's the largest number that divides evenly into both 5 and 15? In this case, it's 5!

Q: How do I check if my simplified fraction is correct?

Multiply your answer by the original denominator to get back the numerator. Here: $ \frac{1}{3} \times 15 = 5 $ ✓

Fraction Simplification with Greatest Common Divisor

What fraction results from dividing 5 by 15?

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:00 Find the fraction

00:06 Write division as a fraction

00:09 Let's reduce the fraction, make sure to divide both numerator and denominator

00:29 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

What fraction results from dividing 5 by 15?

Step-by-step solution

Let's write the division exercise:

$5:15$

Now let's write it in the form of a simple fraction, remembering that the numerator is on top and the denominator is on the bottom:

$\frac{5}{15}$

We'll divide both the numerator and denominator by a number that divides into both of them, in this case, the number is 5:

$\frac{5:5}{15:5}=\frac{1}{3}$

Final Answer

$\frac{1}{3}$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Division Rule: Division creates a fraction with dividend as numerator
Technique: Find GCD of 5 and 15, which is 5
Check: Verify $\frac{1}{3} \times 15 = 5$ gives original dividend ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Forgetting to simplify the fraction to lowest terms
Don't leave $\frac{5}{15}$ as your final answer = incomplete solution! The fraction isn't in simplest form and looks more complicated than needed. Always divide both numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor to get $\frac{1}{3}$ .

Practice Quiz

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Write the fraction shown in the picture, in words:

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I write 5 ÷ 15 as a fraction instead of doing division?

Writing division as a fraction shows the exact relationship between numbers. When we write $\frac{5}{15}$ , we can see clearly how to simplify by finding common factors!

How do I know what number to divide both parts by?

Look for the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD). Ask yourself: what's the largest number that divides evenly into both 5 and 15? In this case, it's 5!

What if I can't find a common divisor?

If no number except 1 divides into both the numerator and denominator, then your fraction is already in simplest form. But always check by listing factors first!

Can I simplify fractions in multiple steps?

Yes! You can divide by smaller common factors step by step. For example: $\frac{12}{18} = \frac{6}{9} = \frac{2}{3}$ . But using the GCD saves time!

How do I check if my simplified fraction is correct?

Multiply your answer by the original denominator to get back the numerator. Here: $\frac{1}{3} \times 15 = 5$ ✓

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