simplest form

Meanings

1. 1noununcountablemathematics

   The form of a fraction in which the top and bottom numbers have no common factor except one.

   Grammar: Usually used with 'in' or 'to': 'in simplest form', 'reduce to simplest form'.

   Patterns

   • in simplest form
   • write something in simplest form
   • reduce a fraction to simplest form

   Write 8/12 in simplest form, which is 2/3.

   The answer 15/25 is correct but not in simplest form.

   To get the simplest form, divide both numbers by their greatest common factor.

2. 2nounsingular

   The most basic or least complicated version of something.

   Grammar: Used with 'the' and often 'in': 'in its simplest form'.

   Patterns

   • in its simplest form
   • the simplest form of something

   In its simplest form, the plan is just to save more each month.

   This is the simplest form of the design we can build.

Common combinations

in simplest form

Always give your final answer in simplest form.

reduce to simplest form

Reduce the fraction to simplest form before you compare the sizes.

the simplest form of energy

Heat is the simplest form of energy to produce at home.

in its simplest form

In its simplest form, the machine is just a wheel and a rope.

Synonyms and how they differ

lowest terms

An equally common phrase in math classes, as in 'in lowest terms'; it means the same thing.

reduced form

Used when talking about the result of dividing by a common factor; 'simplest form' is the standard school term.

Word family

simplify verb

To make a fraction or expression easier by removing common factors.

simplification noun

The act or result of making something simpler.

simple adjective

Not complicated; basic.

Commonly confused: simplest form or standard form?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “simplest form”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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