What is the equivalent fraction?

Explanation

To build an equivalent fraction for \(\frac12\) with a denominator of 8, we first ask, "What number times 2 equals 8?"  To answer that question we divide 8 by 2 to get 4.  Since we need to multiply the denominator of \(\frac12\) by 4 to obtain a denominator of 8, it follows that \(\frac44\) should be the form of 1 that is used to build an equivalent fraction for \(\frac12\).

• Multiply \(\frac12\) by 1 in the form of \(\frac44\).  Note the form of highlighted in red.
  • \(\frac12 = \frac12 \cdot \frac44\)
• Use the rule for multiplying two fractions.  Multiply the numerators.  Multiply the denominators.
  • \(= \frac{1 \cdot 4}{2 \cdot 4}\)
  • \(= \frac48\)