Reducing fractions and lower math?

[Tyrion101]

I realized that some of my problem with Algebra is also that I don't often check to see if a fraction is reduced to its simplest form, and as a general rule, should I? For example: 4/8 = 1/2, I will write the answer as 4/8, and leave it at that. If I am unsure, should I just do it?

 

[SteamKing]

The simplest form is always preferred.

 

[Simon Bridge]

As a general rule - yes you should.
However - you should leave the form you got there too.
It would be a pain to get the right answer only to mess up the simplification.

 

[Jmudrich1015]

Sum up your last answer as follows, 4/8=1/2. If you do all simplifications this way, you can't go wrong.