Fraction Operations: Simplifying 1/4 × 2/8
In this article, we will explore the operation of multiplying fractions, specifically the problem 1/4 × 2/8. We will go through the step-by-step process of solving this problem and provide a clear explanation of the concept.
What is the Problem?
The problem we are trying to solve is:
1/4 × 2/8 = ?
Step-by-Step Solution
To multiply fractions, we need to follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Multiply the Numerators
The numerators are the numbers on top of the fraction. In this case, we have:
1 × 2 = 2
Step 2: Multiply the Denominators
The denominators are the numbers at the bottom of the fraction. In this case, we have:
4 × 8 = 32
Step 3: Write the Answer as a Fraction
Now, we can write the answer as a fraction:
2/32
Simplifying the Fraction
The fraction 2/32 can be simplified by dividing both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD). In this case, the GCD of 2 and 32 is 2.
2 ÷ 2 = 1 32 ÷ 2 = 16
So, the simplified fraction is:
1/16
Conclusion
The solution to the problem 1/4 × 2/8 is 1/16. By following the simple steps of multiplying fractions, we were able to arrive at the correct answer.