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: 27/6
- The prime factorizations of the numerator and denominator:
- 27 = 33
- 6 = 2 × 3
- 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 (27; 6) = 3
27/6 = (27 ÷ 3)/(6 ÷ 3) = 9/2
The fraction can also be reduced without calculating GCF; factor the numerator and denominator and cross out all the common prime factors:
27/6 = 33/(2 × 3) = (33 ÷ 3)/((2 × 3) ÷ 3) = 9/2
The fraction: 36/8
- 36 = 22 × 32
- 8 = 23
- GCF (36; 8) = 22 = 4
36/8 = (36 ÷ 4)/(8 ÷ 4) = 9/2
The fraction can also be reduced without calculating GCF; factor the numerator and denominator and cross out all the common prime factors:
36/8 = (22 × 32)/23 = ((22 × 32) ÷ 22)/(23 ÷ 22) = 9/2
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: