In this video we will simplify (reduce) the fraction 8/4 into its simplest form. The key to simplifying fractions is to find a number that goes into both the numerator and denominator.

The number 2 will divide evenly into both 8 and 4.

We can list all of the factors that divide evenly into 8 and 4. When we do so we see that 2 is the highest common factor for both numbers.

If we divide 8 by 2 we get 2.
If we divide 4 by 2 we get 1.

This means that we can simplify 8/4 to 2/1. The fractions are equivalent. If you check on a calculator you will find that they have the same decimal value. So we haven't changed the quantity, just the way the fraction is expressed.

Note that since the numerator in 8/4 is greater than the denominator we can also change 8/4 to a mixed fraction. As a mixed fraction 8/4 can be written as 2/1 or just 2.

свернуть