Simplify the Fraction 2/8: Step-by-Step Reduction Guide

Q: What if I can't find any common factors?

If the only common factor is 1, then your fraction is already in simplest form! For example, $ \frac{3}{7} $ cannot be simplified further.

Q: Can I simplify in multiple steps?

Yes, but it's easier to find the GCF first! You could divide by 2 to get $ \frac{1}{4} $ directly, or divide by smaller factors step by step.

Q: How do I know when I'm completely done?

Your fraction is fully simplified when the numerator and denominator share no common factors except 1. Check by listing factors of both final numbers.

Q: What's the difference between simplifying and reducing?

They mean the exact same thing! Both terms describe the process of writing a fraction in its lowest terms by dividing out common factors.

Fraction Simplification with Common Factors

Simplify the given fraction to its simplest form:

$\frac{2}{8}=$

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:06 Let's simplify the fraction as much as possible.

00:09 First, divide by the greatest common factor.

00:13 Remember, divide both the top number, called the numerator, and the bottom number, the denominator.

00:19 Next, calculate what you get from dividing.

00:23 And there you have your answer! Great job!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

Simplify the given fraction to its simplest form:

$\frac{2}{8}=$

Step-by-step solution

We must identify the highest common factor (HCF): The largest number that both the numerator and the denominator can be divided by.

In this case, the number is 2, therefore:

$\frac{2:2}{8:2}=\frac{1}{4}$

Final Answer

$\frac{1}{4}$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: Find the greatest common factor of numerator and denominator
Technique: Divide both parts by GCF: $\frac{2÷2}{8÷2} = \frac{1}{4}$
Check: Verify no common factors remain between 1 and 4 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Dividing by different numbers for numerator and denominator
Don't divide 2 by 2 and 8 by 4 = $\frac{1}{2}$ which is wrong! This creates an entirely different fraction value. Always divide both numerator and denominator by the same greatest common factor.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Without calculating, determine whether the quotient in the division exercise is less than 1 or not:

$$ 5:6= $$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

How do I find the greatest common factor (GCF)?

List all factors of both numbers. For 2: {1, 2} and for 8: {1, 2, 4, 8}. The largest number that appears in both lists is your GCF. Here it's 2!

What if I can't find any common factors?

If the only common factor is 1, then your fraction is already in simplest form! For example, $\frac{3}{7}$ cannot be simplified further.

Can I simplify in multiple steps?

Yes, but it's easier to find the GCF first! You could divide by 2 to get $\frac{1}{4}$ directly, or divide by smaller factors step by step.

How do I know when I'm completely done?

Your fraction is fully simplified when the numerator and denominator share no common factors except 1. Check by listing factors of both final numbers.

What's the difference between simplifying and reducing?

They mean the exact same thing! Both terms describe the process of writing a fraction in its lowest terms by dividing out common factors.

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