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: 36/40
- The prime factorizations of the numerator and denominator:
- 36 = 22 × 32
- 40 = 23 × 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 (36; 40) = 22 = 4
36/40 = (36 ÷ 4)/(40 ÷ 4) = 9/10
The fraction can also be reduced without calculating GCF; factor the numerator and denominator and cross out all the common prime factors:
36/40 = (22 × 32)/(23 × 5) = ((22 × 32) ÷ 22)/((23 × 5) ÷ 22) = 9/10
The fraction: 45/50
- 45 = 32 × 5
- 50 = 2 × 52
- GCF (45; 50) = 5
45/50 = (45 ÷ 5)/(50 ÷ 5) = 9/10
The fraction can also be reduced without calculating GCF; factor the numerator and denominator and cross out all the common prime factors:
45/50 = (32 × 5)/(2 × 52) = ((32 × 5) ÷ 5)/((2 × 52) ÷ 5) = 9/10
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: