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: 129/43
- The prime factorizations of the numerator and denominator:
- 129 = 3 × 43
- 43 is a prime number.
- 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 (129; 43) = 43
129/43 = (129 ÷ 43)/(43 ÷ 43) = 3/1 = 3
The fraction can also be reduced without calculating GCF; factor the numerator and denominator and cross out all the common prime factors:
129/43 = (3 × 43)/43 = ((3 × 43) ÷ 43)/(43 ÷ 43) = 3/1 = 3
The fraction: 134/52
- 134 = 2 × 67
- 52 = 22 × 13
- GCF (134; 52) = 2
134/52 = (134 ÷ 2)/(52 ÷ 2) = 67/26
The fraction can also be reduced without calculating GCF; factor the numerator and denominator and cross out all the common prime factors:
134/52 = (2 × 67)/(22 × 13) = ((2 × 67) ÷ 2)/((22 × 13) ÷ 2) = 67/26