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: 6,039/42
- The prime factorizations of the numerator and denominator:
- 6,039 = 32 × 11 × 61
- 42 = 2 × 3 × 7
- 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 (6,039; 42) = 3
6,039/42 = (6,039 ÷ 3)/(42 ÷ 3) = 2,013/14
The fraction can also be reduced without calculating GCF; factor the numerator and denominator and cross out all the common prime factors:
6,039/42 = (32 × 11 × 61)/(2 × 3 × 7) = ((32 × 11 × 61) ÷ 3)/((2 × 3 × 7) ÷ 3) = 2,013/14
The fraction: 6,048/48
- 6,048 = 25 × 33 × 7
- 48 = 24 × 3
- GCF (6,048; 48) = 24 × 3 = 48
6,048/48 = (6,048 ÷ 48)/(48 ÷ 48) = 126/1 = 126
The fraction can also be reduced without calculating GCF; factor the numerator and denominator and cross out all the common prime factors:
6,048/48 = (25 × 33 × 7)/(24 × 3) = ((25 × 33 × 7) ÷ (24 × 3))/((24 × 3) ÷ (24 × 3)) = 126/1 = 126