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: 432/430
- The prime factorizations of the numerator and denominator:
- 432 = 24 × 33
- 430 = 2 × 5 × 43
- 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 (432; 430) = 2
432/430 = (432 ÷ 2)/(430 ÷ 2) = 216/215
The fraction can also be reduced without calculating GCF; factor the numerator and denominator and cross out all the common prime factors:
432/430 = (24 × 33)/(2 × 5 × 43) = ((24 × 33) ÷ 2)/((2 × 5 × 43) ÷ 2) = 216/215
The fraction: 440/440
440/440 = (440 ÷ 440)/(440 ÷ 440) = 1/1 = 1