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: 4/6
- The prime factorizations of the numerator and denominator:
- 4 = 22
- 6 = 2 × 3
- 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 (4; 6) = 2
4/6 = (4 ÷ 2)/(6 ÷ 2) = 2/3
The fraction can also be reduced without calculating GCF; factor the numerator and denominator and cross out all the common prime factors:
4/6 = 22/(2 × 3) = (22 ÷ 2)/((2 × 3) ÷ 2) = 2/3
The fraction: 8/12
- 8 = 23
- 12 = 22 × 3
- GCF (8; 12) = 22 = 4
8/12 = (8 ÷ 4)/(12 ÷ 4) = 2/3
The fraction can also be reduced without calculating GCF; factor the numerator and denominator and cross out all the common prime factors:
8/12 = 23/(22 × 3) = (23 ÷ 22)/((22 × 3) ÷ 22) = 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: