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: 76/164
- The prime factorizations of the numerator and denominator:
- 76 = 22 × 19
- 164 = 22 × 41
- 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 (76; 164) = 22 = 4
76/164 = (76 ÷ 4)/(164 ÷ 4) = 19/41
The fraction can also be reduced without calculating GCF; factor the numerator and denominator and cross out all the common prime factors:
76/164 = (22 × 19)/(22 × 41) = ((22 × 19) ÷ 22)/((22 × 41) ÷ 22) = 19/41
The fraction: 84/168
- 84 = 22 × 3 × 7
- 168 = 23 × 3 × 7
- GCF (84; 168) = 22 × 3 × 7 = 84
84/168 = (84 ÷ 84)/(168 ÷ 84) = 1/2
The fraction can also be reduced without calculating GCF; factor the numerator and denominator and cross out all the common prime factors:
84/168 = (22 × 3 × 7)/(23 × 3 × 7) = ((22 × 3 × 7) ÷ (22 × 3 × 7))/((23 × 3 × 7) ÷ (22 × 3 × 7)) = 1/2