Simplify the operation
Reduce (simplify) the fractions to their lowest terms equivalents:
- To reduce a fraction to the lowest terms equivalent: divide both the numerator and denominator by their greatest common factor, GCF.
The fraction: - 281/562
- The prime factorizations of the numerator and denominator:
- 281 is a prime number.
- 562 = 2 × 281
- Multiply all the common prime factors: if there are repeating prime factors we only take them once, and only the ones having the lowest exponent (the lowest powers).
- GCF (281; 562) = 281
- 281/562 = - (281 ÷ 281)/(562 ÷ 281) = - 1/2
The fraction can also be reduced without calculating GCF; factor the numerator and denominator and cross out all the common prime factors:
- 281/562 = - 281/(2 × 281) = - (281 ÷ 281)/((2 × 281) ÷ 281) = - 1/2
The fraction: - 288/572
- 288 = 25 × 32
- 572 = 22 × 11 × 13
- GCF (288; 572) = 22 = 4
- 288/572 = - (288 ÷ 4)/(572 ÷ 4) = - 72/143
The fraction can also be reduced without calculating GCF; factor the numerator and denominator and cross out all the common prime factors:
- 288/572 = - (25 × 32)/(22 × 11 × 13) = - ((25 × 32) ÷ 22)/((22 × 11 × 13) ÷ 22) = - 72/143