Simplify 5/2
Reduce the fraction 5/2 to its lowest terms with a complete step-by-step solution.
Answer:
5/2 = \frac{5}{2}
Step-by-Step Solution
Step 1
Identify the Fraction
We need to simplify the fraction 5/2 to its lowest terms.
A fraction is in lowest terms when the numerator and denominator have no common factors other than 1.
\frac{5}{2} = ?
Step 2
Find Factors of the Numerator
First, let's find all factors of 5 (the numerator).
Factors are numbers that divide evenly into 5.
\text{Factors of } 5: 1, 5
Step 3
Find Factors of the Denominator
Now let's find all factors of 2 (the denominator).
\text{Factors of } 2: 1, 2
Step 4
Find the Greatest Common Factor (GCF)
The common factors of 5 and 2 are: 1
The Greatest Common Factor (GCF) is the largest of these: 1
We will divide both the numerator and denominator by 1.
\text{GCF}(5, 2) = 1
Step 5
Divide Both by the GCF
Divide the numerator by 1: 5 ÷ 1 = 5
Divide the denominator by 1: 2 ÷ 1 = 2
\frac{5}{2} = \frac{5 \div 1}{2 \div 1} = \frac{5}{2}
Step 6
Result
The fraction 5/2 is already in its simplest form!
The numerator and denominator have no common factors other than 1.
\frac{5}{2} \text{ is already simplified}