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: 296/444
- The prime factorizations of the numerator and denominator:
- 296 = 23 × 37
- 444 = 22 × 3 × 37
- 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; 444) = 22 × 37 = 148
296/444 = (296 ÷ 148)/(444 ÷ 148) = 2/3
The fraction can also be reduced without calculating GCF; factor the numerator and denominator and cross out all the common prime factors:
296/444 = (23 × 37)/(22 × 3 × 37) = ((23 × 37) ÷ (22 × 37))/((22 × 3 × 37) ÷ (22 × 37)) = 2/3
The fraction: 302/453
- 302 = 2 × 151
- 453 = 3 × 151
- GCF (302; 453) = 151
302/453 = (302 ÷ 151)/(453 ÷ 151) = 2/3
The fraction can also be reduced without calculating GCF; factor the numerator and denominator and cross out all the common prime factors:
302/453 = (2 × 151)/(3 × 151) = ((2 × 151) ÷ 151)/((3 × 151) ÷ 151) = 2/3
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: