Simplify the Fraction 4/8 Using Factor of 4: Step-by-Step

Q: What does 'simplify by a factor of 4' actually mean?

It means divide both parts of the fraction by 4. Since 4 goes into both the numerator (4) and denominator (8), we can reduce the fraction to its simplest form.

Q: How do I know if 4 is the right factor to use?

Check if 4 divides evenly into both the numerator and denominator. Since 4÷4=1 and 8÷4=2 (both whole numbers), 4 is a valid common factor.

Q: Is there a difference between simplifying and reducing a fraction?

No difference! Simplifying, reducing, and writing in lowest terms all mean the same thing: finding the equivalent fraction with the smallest possible numerator and denominator.

Q: What if I can't divide both numbers by the given factor?

If the factor doesn't divide evenly into both parts, it's not a common factor. You need to find a number that goes into both the numerator and denominator without remainders.

Q: How can I check if my simplified fraction is correct?

Convert both fractions to decimals: $ \frac{4}{8} = 0.5 $ and $ \frac{1}{2} = 0.5 $. If they're equal, your simplification is correct!

Fraction Simplification with Common Factors

Simplify the following fraction by a factor of 4:

$\frac{4}{8}=$

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:00 Reduce the fraction

00:03 We'll reduce the fraction by the largest divisor we can

00:07 We'll make sure to divide both numerator and denominator

00:10 Let's calculate the quotients

00:13 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

Simplify the following fraction by a factor of 4:

$\frac{4}{8}=$

Step-by-step solution

Let's simplify as follows, we'll divide both the numerator by 4 and the denominator by 4:

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

Final Answer

$\frac{1}{2}$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: Divide both numerator and denominator by the greatest common factor
Technique: Find GCF of 4 and 8, which is 4: $\frac{4÷4}{8÷4} = \frac{1}{2}$
Check: Verify simplified fraction is equivalent: $\frac{1}{2} = 0.5$ and $\frac{4}{8} = 0.5$ ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Dividing only the numerator or denominator by the factor
Don't divide just the numerator 4÷4=1 and leave denominator as 8 = $\frac{1}{8}$ ! This creates a completely different value that's not equivalent to the original. Always divide both the numerator AND denominator by the same 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

What does 'simplify by a factor of 4' actually mean?

It means divide both parts of the fraction by 4. Since 4 goes into both the numerator (4) and denominator (8), we can reduce the fraction to its simplest form.

How do I know if 4 is the right factor to use?

Check if 4 divides evenly into both the numerator and denominator. Since 4÷4=1 and 8÷4=2 (both whole numbers), 4 is a valid common factor.

Is there a difference between simplifying and reducing a fraction?

No difference! Simplifying, reducing, and writing in lowest terms all mean the same thing: finding the equivalent fraction with the smallest possible numerator and denominator.

What if I can't divide both numbers by the given factor?

If the factor doesn't divide evenly into both parts, it's not a common factor. You need to find a number that goes into both the numerator and denominator without remainders.

How can I check if my simplified fraction is correct?

Convert both fractions to decimals: $\frac{4}{8} = 0.5$ and $\frac{1}{2} = 0.5$ . If they're equal, your simplification is correct!

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