Question

Write each of the following in lowest terms:

$\frac{60}{40}=\_\_\_$

Answer 1

• Step 1: It can be observed that $2$ is the common factor of $60$ and $40$. Divide the numerator and denominator by the common factor $2$.

$\frac{60÷2}{40÷2}=\frac{30}{20}$

• Step 2: Again, there is a common factor of $30$ and $20$ that is $2$. Divide the numerator and denominator of the obtained fraction $\frac{30}{20}$ by $2$.

$\frac{30÷2}{20÷2}=\frac{15}{10}$

• Step 3: Once again, there is a common factor of $15$ and $10$ that is $5$. Divide the numerator and denominator of the obtained fraction $\frac{15}{10}$ by $5$.

$\frac{15÷5}{10÷5}=\frac{3}{2}$

• Now, there is no common factor of $3$ and $2$ other than $1$. Hence, the simplest form of $\frac{60}{40}$ is $\frac{3}{2}$.