Question

Write each of the following in lowest terms:

$\frac{48}{84}=\_\_\_$

Answer 1

• Step 1: It can be observed that $2$ is the common factor of $48$ and $84$. Divide the numerator and denominator by the common factor $2$.

$\frac{48÷2}{84÷2}=\frac{24}{42}$

• Step 2: Again, there is a common factor of $24$ and $42$ that is $2$. Divide the numerator and denominator of the obtained fraction $\frac{24}{42}$ by $2$.

$\frac{24÷2}{42÷2}=\frac{12}{21}$

• Step 3: Once again, there is a common factor of $12$ and $21$ that is $3$. Divide the numerator and denominator of the obtained fraction $\frac{12}{21}$ by $3$.

$\frac{12÷3}{21÷3}=\frac{4}{7}$

• Now, there is no common factor of $4$ and $7$ other than $1$. Hence, the simplest form of $\frac{48}{84}$ is $\frac{4}{7}$.