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: 296/37
- The prime factorizations of the numerator and denominator:
- 296 = 23 × 37
- 37 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 (296; 37) = 37
296/37 = (296 ÷ 37)/(37 ÷ 37) = 8/1 = 8
The fraction can also be reduced without calculating GCF; factor the numerator and denominator and cross out all the common prime factors:
296/37 = (23 × 37)/37 = ((23 × 37) ÷ 37)/(37 ÷ 37) = 8/1 = 8
The fraction: 300/46
- 300 = 22 × 3 × 52
- 46 = 2 × 23
- GCF (300; 46) = 2
300/46 = (300 ÷ 2)/(46 ÷ 2) = 150/23
The fraction can also be reduced without calculating GCF; factor the numerator and denominator and cross out all the common prime factors:
300/46 = (22 × 3 × 52)/(2 × 23) = ((22 × 3 × 52) ÷ 2)/((2 × 23) ÷ 2) = 150/23