Simplifying 4 6/8: A Step-by-Step Guide
When working with mixed numbers, it's essential to know how to simplify them to their simplest form. In this article, we'll explore how to simplify the mixed number 4 6/8.
What is 4 6/8?
4 6/8 is a mixed number, which is a combination of a whole number and a fraction. The whole number part is 4, and the fraction part is 6/8.
Simplifying 4 6/8
To simplify 4 6/8, we need to focus on the fraction part, which is 6/8.
Step 1: Find the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD)
The first step in simplifying a fraction is to find the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD) of the numerator and the denominator. In this case, the numerator is 6, and the denominator is 8.
To find the GCD, we can list the factors of each number:
- Factors of 6: 1, 2, 3, 6
- Factors of 8: 1, 2, 4, 8
The common factors are 1 and 2. Since 2 is the largest common factor, the GCD is 2.
Step 2: Divide Both the Numerator and Denominator by the GCD
Now, we'll divide both the numerator and the denominator by the GCD, which is 2:
- Numerator: 6 ÷ 2 = 3
- Denominator: 8 ÷ 2 = 4
So, the simplified fraction is 3/4.
Step 3: Write the Simplified Mixed Number
Now that we have the simplified fraction, we can write the simplified mixed number:
4 3/4
Conclusion
In conclusion, the simplified form of 4 6/8 is 4 3/4. By following these steps, you can simplify any mixed number and make it easier to work with. Remember to always find the GCD of the numerator and denominator, and then divide both numbers by the GCD to simplify the fraction.
