You cannot compare fractions by using the GCF since GCF determines the common factors of both fractions. Instead, use the LCD to compare the fractions. Find the LCM of the denominator terms of the fractions. Then, obtain the fractions with the common denominators. Finally, compare the numerator values to determine which fraction is the greatest/least.
Simplifying fractions
The GCF can be used to reduce fractions. The LCM can be used to add and subtract unlike fractions.
Use the GCF to reduce equivalent fractions. Use the LCM to add and subtract unlike fractions.
When you are reducing equivalent fractions.
For reducing fractions to their lowest terms
To simplify a fraction, find the GCF of the numerator and denominator and divide them both by it. To find the GCF, compare their prime factorizations. That's where the prime numbers come in.
Simplifying fractions
The GCF can be used to reduce fractions. The LCM can be used to add and subtract unlike fractions.
Use the GCF to reduce equivalent fractions. Use the LCM to add and subtract unlike fractions.
Reducing equivalent fractions to their simplest form.
by looking at the denominator
convert numbers
Simplifying fractions and finding the GCF is easy. All you have to do is put the fraction into simplest form and then put in a whole number.
When you are reducing equivalent fractions.
For reducing fractions to their lowest terms
To add and subtract unlike fractions, find the LCM of the denominators and convert them to equivalent like fractions. You don't have to do anything to fractions to multiply them, but you may need to reduce one after multiplying. To do that, find the GCF of the numerator and the denominator and divide both of them by it. If the GCF is 1, the fraction is in its simplest form.
The GCF is 5.