When is a fraction simplified?

Question

When is a fraction simplified?

"A fraction is simplified if the numerator and denominator do not have any common factors other than 1."

This is what I read on this website: http://www.wtamu.edu/academic/anns/mps/math/mathlab/beg_algebra/beg_alg_tut3_fractions.htm

I think a fraction is simplified when the numerator or denominator have common factors other than 1. For example: $\frac {14} 6 = \frac73$

Answer 1

"A fraction is simplified if the numerator and denominator do not have any common factors other than 1."

The is used here says that it is(currently) simplified, already simplified.

Whereas

"I think a fraction is simplified when the numerator or denominator have common factors other than 1. For example: $14/6=7/3$"

Here is means it is(needs to be) simplified when it is not.

Answer 2

You are getting confused between "A fraction 'is' simplified" and "A fraction 'can' be simplified".

In the example that you provided:

$\dfrac{7}{3}$ is the 'simplified fraction' and $\dfrac{14}{6}$ is the fraction that is getting simplified to $\dfrac{7}{3}$.

The example is given to make you understand that $\dfrac{14}{6}$ is simplified to $\dfrac{7}{3}$ and it cannot be simplified further making it a 'simplified fraction'