Question

this fraction is not in simplest form.
\\(\frac{15}{27}\\)
what is the greatest common factor of both the numerator and denominator?
3
1
9
5

Explanation:

Step1: Find factors of 15

The factors of 15 are the numbers that divide 15 without leaving a remainder. So, \(15 \div 1 = 15\), \(15 \div 3 = 5\), \(15 \div 5 = 3\), \(15 \div 15 = 1\). Thus, the factors of 15 are \(1, 3, 5, 15\).

Step2: Find factors of 27

The factors of 27 are the numbers that divide 27 without leaving a remainder. So, \(27 \div 1 = 27\), \(27 \div 3 = 9\), \(27 \div 9 = 3\), \(27 \div 27 = 1\). Thus, the factors of 27 are \(1, 3, 9, 27\).

Step3: Identify common factors

The common factors of 15 and 27 are the numbers that appear in both lists of factors. From the above, the common factors are \(1, 3\).

Step4: Determine the greatest common factor

Among the common factors \(1\) and \(3\), the greatest one is \(3\).

Answer:

3