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: 357/408
- The prime factorizations of the numerator and denominator:
- 357 = 3 × 7 × 17
- 408 = 23 × 3 × 17
- 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 (357; 408) = 3 × 17 = 51
357/408 = (357 ÷ 51)/(408 ÷ 51) = 7/8
The fraction can also be reduced without calculating GCF; factor the numerator and denominator and cross out all the common prime factors:
357/408 = (3 × 7 × 17)/(23 × 3 × 17) = ((3 × 7 × 17) ÷ (3 × 17))/((23 × 3 × 17) ÷ (3 × 17)) = 7/8
The fraction: 364/416
- 364 = 22 × 7 × 13
- 416 = 25 × 13
- GCF (364; 416) = 22 × 13 = 52
364/416 = (364 ÷ 52)/(416 ÷ 52) = 7/8
The fraction can also be reduced without calculating GCF; factor the numerator and denominator and cross out all the common prime factors:
364/416 = (22 × 7 × 13)/(25 × 13) = ((22 × 7 × 13) ÷ (22 × 13))/((25 × 13) ÷ (22 × 13)) = 7/8
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: