What's different about the 5th grade version?

Larger terms, like 18/24 or 28/42, where the common factor isn't obvious at a glance. It's the same skill with heavier lifting.

Why keep drilling this in 5th grade?

Because every fraction answer this year (sums, differences, products) is expected in simplest form. Simplifying has to be automatic so it stops costing attention.

5th grade simplifying fractions

5th grade simplifying fractions worksheets

Fifth grade raises the terms: fractions like 18/24 or 28/42 need bigger common factors, and often more than one round of dividing. The payoff is immediate: a child who simplifies quickly keeps every other fraction skill tidy.

Free printable PDF worksheet.

Each print is a different sheet with its own answer key. You don't need to sign up.

The kind of problems you'll get

Simplify each answer. Write improper fractions rather than mixed numbers.

4/8
Answer: 1/2
2/8
Answer: 1/4
2/12
Answer: 1/6

Every print pulls a fresh set of problems at this level, so a make-up test or a second sibling never gets the same sheet.

What's on a 5th grade sheet

Simplifying fractions. Simplify each answer. Write improper fractions rather than mixed numbers. 12 problems per page.

Every version prints on US Letter or A4, with its answer key after the problems.

How to teach this

Push past one-step habits: for 18/24, dividing by 2 and then by 3 works, but spotting the 6 straight away is the fifth grade goal. A quick factor check ("what's the biggest number in both times tables?") is worth practicing on its own. Test finished answers by asking whether any number but 1 still divides both.

Watch for: Kids divide only the top or only the bottom. Whatever divides one side must divide the other, or the fraction changes value. Kids stop after one step, leaving 12/16 as 6/8. Keep dividing until the only number that fits both is 1.

Common questions about 5th grade simplifying fractions

What's different about the 5th grade version?: Larger terms, like 18/24 or 28/42, where the common factor isn't obvious at a glance. It's the same skill with heavier lifting.
Why keep drilling this in 5th grade?: Because every fraction answer this year (sums, differences, products) is expected in simplest form. Simplifying has to be automatic so it stops costing attention.

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Reviewed by the One more sheet team. Content version 241, updated September 2026.

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