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: 2,024/2,024
2,024/2,024 = (2,024 ÷ 2,024)/(2,024 ÷ 2,024) = 1/1 = 1
The fraction: 2,034/2,026
- The prime factorizations of the numerator and denominator:
- 2,034 = 2 × 32 × 113
- 2,026 = 2 × 1,013
- 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 (2,034; 2,026) = 2
2,034/2,026 = (2,034 ÷ 2)/(2,026 ÷ 2) = 1,017/1,013
The fraction can also be reduced without calculating GCF; factor the numerator and denominator and cross out all the common prime factors:
2,034/2,026 = (2 × 32 × 113)/(2 × 1,013) = ((2 × 32 × 113) ÷ 2)/((2 × 1,013) ÷ 2) = 1,017/1,013
To compare and sort the fractions, make their denominators the same.
Expand the fraction that has 1 as a denominator.
Multiply the numerator and denominator by the same number:
1 = (1,013 × 1)/(1,013 × 1) = 1,013/1,013