1. The problem is to simplify the fraction $\frac{36}{40}$ to its simplest form. 2. To simplify a fraction, we divide both the numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD). 3. Find the GCD of 36 and 40. - Factors of 36: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 12, 18, 36 - Factors of 40: 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 10, 20, 40 - The greatest common factor is 4. 4. Divide numerator and denominator by 4: $$\frac{36}{40} = \frac{\cancel{4} \times 9}{\cancel{4} \times 10} = \frac{9}{10}$$ 5. The fraction $\frac{36}{40}$ simplified is $\frac{9}{10}$.