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: 145/290
- The prime factorizations of the numerator and denominator:
- 145 = 5 × 29
- 290 = 2 × 5 × 29
- 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 (145; 290) = 5 × 29 = 145
145/290 = (145 ÷ 145)/(290 ÷ 145) = 1/2
The fraction can also be reduced without calculating GCF; factor the numerator and denominator and cross out all the common prime factors:
145/290 = (5 × 29)/(2 × 5 × 29) = ((5 × 29) ÷ (5 × 29))/((2 × 5 × 29) ÷ (5 × 29)) = 1/2
The fraction: 150/292
- 150 = 2 × 3 × 52
- 292 = 22 × 73
- GCF (150; 292) = 2
150/292 = (150 ÷ 2)/(292 ÷ 2) = 75/146
The fraction can also be reduced without calculating GCF; factor the numerator and denominator and cross out all the common prime factors:
150/292 = (2 × 3 × 52)/(22 × 73) = ((2 × 3 × 52) ÷ 2)/((22 × 73) ÷ 2) = 75/146