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: 370/555
- The prime factorizations of the numerator and denominator:
- 370 = 2 × 5 × 37
- 555 = 3 × 5 × 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 (370; 555) = 5 × 37 = 185
370/555 = (370 ÷ 185)/(555 ÷ 185) = 2/3
The fraction can also be reduced without calculating GCF; factor the numerator and denominator and cross out all the common prime factors:
370/555 = (2 × 5 × 37)/(3 × 5 × 37) = ((2 × 5 × 37) ÷ (5 × 37))/((3 × 5 × 37) ÷ (5 × 37)) = 2/3
The fraction: 372/558
- 372 = 22 × 3 × 31
- 558 = 2 × 32 × 31
- GCF (372; 558) = 2 × 3 × 31 = 186
372/558 = (372 ÷ 186)/(558 ÷ 186) = 2/3
The fraction can also be reduced without calculating GCF; factor the numerator and denominator and cross out all the common prime factors:
372/558 = (22 × 3 × 31)/(2 × 32 × 31) = ((22 × 3 × 31) ÷ (2 × 3 × 31))/((2 × 32 × 31) ÷ (2 × 3 × 31)) = 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: