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: 604/34
- The prime factorizations of the numerator and denominator:
- 604 = 22 × 151
- 34 = 2 × 17
- 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 (604; 34) = 2
604/34 = (604 ÷ 2)/(34 ÷ 2) = 302/17
The fraction can also be reduced without calculating GCF; factor the numerator and denominator and cross out all the common prime factors:
604/34 = (22 × 151)/(2 × 17) = ((22 × 151) ÷ 2)/((2 × 17) ÷ 2) = 302/17
The fraction: 612/36
- 612 = 22 × 32 × 17
- 36 = 22 × 32
- GCF (612; 36) = 22 × 32 = 36
612/36 = (612 ÷ 36)/(36 ÷ 36) = 17/1 = 17
The fraction can also be reduced without calculating GCF; factor the numerator and denominator and cross out all the common prime factors:
612/36 = (22 × 32 × 17)/(22 × 32) = ((22 × 32 × 17) ÷ (22 × 32))/((22 × 32) ÷ (22 × 32)) = 17/1 = 17