Simplify the operation
Reduce (simplify) the fractions to their lowest terms equivalents:
By reducing the values of the numerators and denominators of the fractions, further calculations with these fractions become easier to do.
To reduce a fraction to the lowest terms equivalent: divide both the numerator and denominator by their greatest common factor, GCF.
2/12 = 2/(22 × 3) = (2 ÷ 2)/((22 × 3) ÷ 2) = 1/6
1/6 is already reduced to the lowest terms.
The numerator and denominator have no common prime factors:
1 cannot be factored into other prime factors.
6 = 2 × 3
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: