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: 24/30
- The prime factorizations of the numerator and denominator:
- 24 = 23 × 3
- 30 = 2 × 3 × 5
- 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 (24; 30) = 2 × 3 = 6
24/30 = (24 ÷ 6)/(30 ÷ 6) = 4/5
The fraction can also be reduced without calculating GCF; factor the numerator and denominator and cross out all the common prime factors:
24/30 = (23 × 3)/(2 × 3 × 5) = ((23 × 3) ÷ (2 × 3))/((2 × 3 × 5) ÷ (2 × 3)) = 4/5
The fraction: 32/40
- 32 = 25
- 40 = 23 × 5
- GCF (32; 40) = 23 = 8
32/40 = (32 ÷ 8)/(40 ÷ 8) = 4/5
The fraction can also be reduced without calculating GCF; factor the numerator and denominator and cross out all the common prime factors:
32/40 = 25/(23 × 5) = (25 ÷ 23)/((23 × 5) ÷ 23) = 4/5
The fractions are equal.
This is one of the simplest cases when comparing two fractions.
Not only are the numerators of the fractions equal but their denominators are also equal.
::: The operation of comparing fractions :::
The final answer: