Question

Determine whether the following rational numbers are in the lowest form or not:

(i) (65/84)

(ii) (-15/32)

(iii) (24/128)

(iv) (-56/-32)

Answer 1

(i) Given (65/84)

Here we can observe that 65 and 84 have no common factor their HCF is 1.

Thus, (65/84) is in its lowest form.

(ii) Given (-15/32)

Here we can observe that -15 and 32 have no common factor i.e., their HCF is 1.

Thus, (-15/32) is in its lowest form.

(iii) Given (24/128)

Here we can observe that HCF of 24 and 128 is not 1.

Thus, given rational number is not in its simplest form.

(iv) Given (-56/-32)

Here we can observe that HCF of 56 and 32 is 8 and also not equal to 1.

Therefore the given rational number is not in its simplest form.