Simplify the Fraction 36/18 Using a Factor of 6

The problem asks you to simplify by a factor of 6. This means 6 must divide evenly into both 36 and 18. Since 36÷6 = 6 and 18÷6 = 3, we get $\frac{6}{3}$.

Yes! $\frac{6}{3} = 2$, but the question specifically asks to simplify by a factor of 6, so $\frac{6}{3}$ is the correct answer for this problem.

The factor must divide evenly into both the numerator and denominator. If 6 didn't divide evenly into both 36 and 18, you couldn't use it as a common factor for simplification.

Both fractions equal 2 when you divide: $\frac{36}{18} = 2$ and $\frac{6}{3} = 2$. Equivalent fractions always have the same decimal value!

While $\frac{36}{18}$ does equal $\frac{1}{2}$ when fully simplified, the question asks you to simplify by a factor of 6 specifically, not to the lowest terms.