Simplifying fractions means reducing them to their simplest form, where the numerator and denominator have no common factors other than 1. To simplify a fraction, you can divide both the numerator (the top number) and the denominator (the bottom number) by their greatest common divisor, or GCD. For example, to simplify the fraction 8/12, you would divide both 8 and 12 by their GCD, which is 4, resulting in 2/3. This process makes fractions easier to understand and work with. Simplifying fractions is especially useful in math problems, cooking, and any situation where you need to compare or combine fractions. By using simplified fractions, you can make calculations quicker and clearer.