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: 49/98
- The prime factorizations of the numerator and denominator:
- 49 = 72
- 98 = 2 × 72
- 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 (49; 98) = 72 = 49
49/98 = (49 ÷ 49)/(98 ÷ 49) = 1/2
The fraction can also be reduced without calculating GCF; factor the numerator and denominator and cross out all the common prime factors:
49/98 = 72/(2 × 72) = (72 ÷ 72)/((2 × 72) ÷ 72) = 1/2
The fraction: 52/104
- 52 = 22 × 13
- 104 = 23 × 13
- GCF (52; 104) = 22 × 13 = 52
52/104 = (52 ÷ 52)/(104 ÷ 52) = 1/2
The fraction can also be reduced without calculating GCF; factor the numerator and denominator and cross out all the common prime factors:
52/104 = (22 × 13)/(23 × 13) = ((22 × 13) ÷ (22 × 13))/((23 × 13) ÷ (22 × 13)) = 1/2
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: