The simplest form of 16/72 is ________a)2/9b)1/4c)1/2d)None oftheseCor...
We will bring 16/72 in its simplest form by finding their common factor
16 is in 2 table and 72 is also in the table of two.
We will divide both of the digits by two.
= 8/36
Now we can also reduce these digits so let's divide these two by 2 again.
= 4/18
Simplify it again.
= 2/9
Thus option 'A' is correct
The simplest form of 16/72 is ________a)2/9b)1/4c)1/2d)None oftheseCor...
The simplest form of a fraction means finding the smallest possible numerator and denominator that can represent the same value. In this case, we are asked to find the simplest form of 16/72.
Finding the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD)
To simplify a fraction, we need to find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the numerator and denominator. The GCD is the largest number that divides both numbers without leaving a remainder.
To determine the GCD of 16 and 72, we can use different methods such as prime factorization, listing factors, or using the Euclidean algorithm. Let's use the prime factorization method:
Prime Factorization of 16:
16 can be factored into 2 * 2 * 2 * 2 = 2^4
Prime Factorization of 72:
72 can be factored into 2 * 2 * 2 * 3 * 3 = 2^3 * 3^2
Finding the GCD:
To find the GCD, we need to identify the common prime factors and take their smallest exponent. In this case, the common prime factors are 2 raised to the power of 3, written as 2^3.
Therefore, the GCD of 16 and 72 is 2^3 = 8.
Simplifying the Fraction:
To simplify the fraction 16/72, we divide both the numerator and denominator by the GCD:
16 ÷ 8 = 2
72 ÷ 8 = 9
Thus, the simplest form of 16/72 is 2/9, which is option A.