2 Simple Steps To Find The Common Factor Of 21/28

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Finding the common factor of fractions can be a straightforward process if you understand the basics of fractions and factors. In this article, we'll explore how to find the common factor of 21/28 using a simple two-step method.

Why is finding the common factor important?

Before we dive into the steps, let's quickly discuss why finding the common factor is important. When working with fractions, finding the common factor can help simplify the fraction, making it easier to perform operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Additionally, finding the common factor can also help identify equivalent fractions, which is crucial in various mathematical applications.

Step 1: Find the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD)

The first step in finding the common factor of 21/28 is to find the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD) of the numerator (21) and the denominator (28). The GCD is the largest number that divides both numbers without leaving a remainder.

To find the GCD, you can use various methods, such as listing the factors of each number, using prime factorization, or employing the Euclidean algorithm. For simplicity, let's use the listing method.

Factors of 21:

1, 3, 7, 21

Factors of 28:

1, 2, 4, 7, 14, 28

As you can see, the largest number that appears in both lists is 7. Therefore, the GCD of 21 and 28 is 7.

Step 2: Divide Both Numbers by the GCD

Now that we have found the GCD, we can divide both the numerator and the denominator by 7 to simplify the fraction.

21 ÷ 7 = 3 28 ÷ 7 = 4

So, the simplified fraction is 3/4.

What's the common factor?

In this case, the common factor is 7, which is the GCD of 21 and 28. This means that both 21 and 28 are multiples of 7, and dividing both numbers by 7 results in the simplified fraction 3/4.

Conclusion

Finding the common factor of fractions is an essential skill in mathematics, and it can be done using a simple two-step method. By finding the GCD of the numerator and denominator and dividing both numbers by the GCD, you can simplify fractions and identify equivalent fractions. In the case of 21/28, the common factor is 7, which results in the simplified fraction 3/4.

Example Uses

Understanding how to find the common factor of fractions has various applications in mathematics and real-life scenarios. Here are a few examples:

• Simplifying complex fractions: By finding the common factor, you can simplify complex fractions and make them easier to work with.
• Identifying equivalent fractions: Finding the common factor can help you identify equivalent fractions, which is essential in various mathematical applications.
• Real-world applications: Finding the common factor can be applied in real-world scenarios, such as cooking, measurement, and finance.

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