Fractions are direct proportions. So when you have 8 4 you can simplify the fraction 4 2 and simplify even further to 2 1 . This would be a fraction in simplest form
To find the missing numerator in a fraction like 4/8 = ?/4, you would apply a method of cross-multiplication. Cross-multiplication is used to solve proportions where two fractions are set equal to each other. In this case, you would multiply the known numerator of the first fraction by the denominator of the fraction with the missing numerator. It looks like this:
Multiply the numerator of the first fraction (4) by the denominator of the second fraction (4).
The calculation would then be 4 x 4 = 16.
Therefore, the missing numerator is 16 because 4/8 is equivalent to 16/4.
Remember, for fractions to be equivalent, the cross products must be equal. Here's the equation you can visualize:
4/8 = 16/4
The cross products 4 x 4 and 8 x ? are equal, meaning 16 x 8 equals 16 x 8, confirming that the missing numerator is 16.
To find a missing numerator in a fraction, use cross-multiplication by setting up an equation with the known fractions, multiplying diagonally, and then solving for the unknown. For example, in the equation 8 4 = 4 x , we find x = 2 . This method works for any fraction where you're given one side of the equation as a reference.
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