Skip to content
← All questions

What does it mean for 2/72/7 to be the simplest form of 12/4212/42?

It means that the numerator 2 and the denominator 7 have no common positive divisor greater than 1. Their greatest common factor is 1, so the fraction cannot be reduced any further.

Conditions

  • The fraction is 2/72/7.
  • The numerator and denominator are positive integers.

Reasoning, step by step

  1. Check the factors of 2: {1,2}\{1, 2\}.
  2. Check the factors of 7: {1,7}\{1, 7\}.
  3. Identify the common factors: {1}\{1\}.
  4. Since the greatest common factor is 1, the fraction is in simplest form.

Example

The fraction 2/72/7 is labeled 'Simplest' on screen because 2 and 7 share no positive divisor greater than 1.

Common misconceptions

  • Thinking that a fraction is in simplest form just because the numbers look small.
  • Believing that 2/72/7 can be reduced further by dividing by 2 or 7.

Watch the explanation

Connected concepts

Explore next

Related questions

Meet the concept

↗
Find a method

↗
Find a method

↗
Find a method

↗
Meet the concept

↗

Answers are generated from source material and independently checked. Consult the original video or creator if something is unclear.