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Simplifying Fractions: Free Printable Worksheet for Year 6
- ForYear 6
- StageKey Stage 2
- CostFree
- FormatPrintable PDF
Simplifying Fractions is a free printable maths worksheet for Year 6 (ages 10 to 11) in Key Stage 2. Children write fractions in their simplest form by finding a common factor of the numerator and denominator, then dividing both by it. It needs only a pencil, and page 2 gives the grown-up notes, help ideas, a stretch task and the answers.
It comes from the Mini Minds Hub, the free library of printables from Jaques of London, the British games and toy company that has been making games for families since 1795. Print both pages, give page 1 to your child and keep page 2 for yourself. Black and white printing works well.
What is on the sheet
Children work through numbered questions, each with space to write an answer. Every question is a fraction to simplify, such as 4/8, 10/25 or 15/45. For each one, they look for the biggest number that goes into both the top and the bottom, then divide both by it. The sheet builds fluency with factors, division and fractions in one short, focused task.
- 4/8
- 6/9
- 10/25
- 12/16
- 16/20
- 18/30
- 15/45
- 24/36
A worked example
Simplify 35/42.
This is a different fraction from the ones on the sheet. It shows two ways to find a common factor.
Method 1: list the factors- Factors of 35 are 1, 5, 7 and 35.
- Factors of 42 are 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 14, 21 and 42.
- The biggest factor in both lists is 7. Divide the top and the bottom by 7: 35 ÷ 7 = 5 and 42 ÷ 7 = 6.
- Ask which times table both numbers belong to. 35 is 5 × 7 and 42 is 6 × 7, so both are in the 7 times table.
- Divide both numbers by 7 to get 5 and 6.
- Check: 5 and 6 share no factor except 1, so the fraction cannot be simplified further.
Why simplify fractions?
Many different fractions can show the same amount. Simplifying means writing a fraction with smaller numbers but exactly the same value. Dividing the numerator and the denominator by the same number keeps the value, because both parts change in the same way. The fraction looks neater, but the amount it stands for has not changed at all.
The simplest form of a fraction is the one where the top and bottom share no common factor except 1. It is easier to read, compare and spot patterns in. Using the biggest common factor gets there in one step. Using a smaller common factor still works, but children then check whether they can simplify again.
Skills and curriculum link
- Simplifying fractions
- Finding common factors
- Division facts
- Equivalent fractions
- Explaining your reasoning
This sheet supports the area below. It is matched to the published England framework. Please check it against your own school plan.
| Framework | Subject or area | Strand | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Curriculum (England) | Maths | Fractions, decimals and percentages | Year 6 |
What children will be able to do
- I can find a common factor of the top and bottom number.
- I can divide both numbers by it.
- I can say when a fraction is in its simplest form.
Handy number tricks
- Even numbersIf the top and bottom are both even, they can both be divided by 2. Check afterwards whether the new numbers can be halved again.
- Ends in 0 or 5A whole number that ends in 0 or 5 can be divided by 5. If both numbers end this way, 5 is a common factor.
- Times tablesSpotting that both numbers sit in the same times table often shows the common factor straight away.
- Digits that add to a multiple of 3If the digits of a number add up to a multiple of 3, the number divides by 3. Try this on both the top and the bottom.
Key words
- FractionA number that shows part of a whole, written with one number over another.
- NumeratorThe top number in a fraction. It tells you how many parts you have.
- DenominatorThe bottom number in a fraction. It tells you how many equal parts make the whole.
- Common factorA number that divides exactly into two or more numbers.
- Simplest formA fraction where the top and bottom have no common factor except 1.
- Equivalent fractionsFractions that are written differently but have the same value.
How to use it
- Print both pages. Page 1 is for your child. Keep page 2, which has the notes and the answers.
- Read the instruction together. Ask your child to find the biggest number that goes into both the top and the bottom.
- Do the first fraction together and talk about each choice. Then let your child try the rest alone.
- Check against page 2. Ask, "How did you choose the number to divide by?" The reasoning matters as much as the answer.
- Come back another day and redo any that felt tricky. Repeating a familiar sheet builds confidence.
Help, stretch and game ideas
If it feels too hard
Draw each fraction as a bar split into equal parts, or use a fraction wall. Shade the parts and look for a fraction that fills the same space with fewer, bigger parts. Say the times table facts out loud to find a number that goes into both.
To stretch confident children
Write a fraction that simplifies to 3/4 in three different ways. Then explain how you know each one has the same value as 3/4. Try making one with a denominator bigger than 50.
Make it a game
Write fractions on small slips of paper and race against a timer to simplify them all. Or take turns: one player writes a fraction, the other simplifies it. Score a point for each correct answer. Check by multiplying back up.
Mistakes to watch for
Watch forA child divides only the top number, such as dividing the numerator but leaving the denominator.
Try thisRemind them that both numbers must be divided by the same number. Use a drawing to show that changing only one part changes the value.
Watch forA child stops too early. With 27/63 they divide by 3 to get 9/21 and think they have finished.
Try thisAsk, "Do the new top and bottom still share a factor?" Here both divide by 3 again, giving 3/7. Always check the result again.
Watch forA child takes away the same number from top and bottom, so 8/10 becomes 6/8.
Try thisExplain that simplifying uses division, not subtraction. Draw both fractions to show they are not the same size.
Talk about it
- How did you choose the number to divide by?
- How do you know when a fraction cannot be simplified more?
- Can you show me two fractions that are equal?
- Did the value of the fraction change when you simplified it? How do you know?
- Which times tables helped you most today?
- What would you do if the top number was odd and the bottom was even?
Take it off the page
Paper strip fractions
Fold strips of paper into halves, quarters and eighths. Lay them side by side and find which parts cover the same length.
Factor hunt
Pick a number and list every pair of numbers that multiply to make it. Then compare lists for two numbers to find their common factors.
Squared paper shading
Draw a rectangle on squared paper and shade part of it. Write the shaded part as a fraction, then regroup the squares to write it with smaller numbers.
Who it is for
Parents
Sit beside your child for the first fraction, then let them lead. Short sessions work better than long ones. If they get stuck, ask them to draw the fraction or say a times table out loud. Praise their thinking, not only correct answers.
Teachers
Use it as a starter, plenary, early finisher task, homework or table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing. Page 2 has help and stretch ideas for mixed ability groups, and the talk questions on this page help you listen for reasoning, not only answers.
Home educators
Print it as part of a wider maths plan and pair it with factor and times table practice. It is free to print again for brothers and sisters, or for revision a few weeks later. Ask children to explain each choice aloud.
Where this fits
Before this, children learn that a fraction is made of equal parts and that different fractions can show the same amount. They also need secure times tables and some knowledge of factors, because finding a common factor depends on them.
After this, children use simplifying alongside other Year 6 fraction work. They compare and order fractions with different denominators, and add and subtract them. Writing fractions in simplest form makes each of those jobs clearer.
Check it worked
Ask these when the sheet is finished. Listen for the reasoning, not just the answer.
- How did you choose the number to divide by?
- How do you know when a fraction cannot be simplified more?
- Can you show me two fractions that are equal?
Questions parents and teachers ask
- What age is Simplifying Fractions for?
It is written for Year 6 (ages 10 to 11) in Key Stage 2. Younger children who know their times tables well may also manage it with help, and older children can use it for revision.
- What will children practise?
They practise simplifying fractions by dividing the numerator and the denominator by a common factor. Along the way they use times tables, factors and division facts.
- How do I use it?
Print both pages. Give page 1 to the child and keep page 2. Children find the biggest number that goes into both top and bottom, then divide both by it. Check with page 2 afterwards.
- What if it feels too hard?
Slow down and use a fraction wall, or draw each fraction as a bar to see that fractions are equal. Page 2 has a help idea. Start with the first few questions and return to the rest later.
- Is it free to print?
Yes. It is free to print for home and classroom use. You can print it again for brothers, sisters or revision, and black and white printing works well on plain A4 paper.
- How long does it take?
It depends on the child, so let them work at their own pace and take a break if they tire. Page 2 has a help idea and a stretch idea to make the task easier or more challenging.
- Can teachers and home educators use it?
Yes. Teachers can use it as a starter, plenary, early finisher task or homework. Home educators and tutors can use it alone or within a wider plan. It is screen free and needs only paper and a pencil.
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Made by Jaques of London, making games for families since 1795. A printable supports classroom learning and does not replace a teacher.