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What Is an Eighth in Maths?

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How to Recognize and Use Eighths in Real-Life Situations

Meaning of Eighth - How it is Used in Maths and Fraction?

Eighth in the subject of Mathematics can be defined as the sequential number of 8. In another understanding, we can also say that eighth means the fraction in relation to 8 parts. Like ⅛, this will be read as one-eighth of a part.


We will learn more about eighth. The study of eighth will be done by the meaning of fraction, eighth meaning in general, and also the eighth meaning in Math. We will start our discussion with eight meanings in general.


What is Meant by Eighth in General?

The dictionary meaning of eighth is the ordinal number that corresponds to the number 8 in the number system. It also means one of the eight equal parts. The eighth as an ordinal number is positioned before 9 and after 7. The other word for eighth is the octave, which is also used in the musical language.


This was the general meaning of eighth. Now, let us know the eighth meaning in Maths.


Eighth in Mathematics

In the study of Maths, we learn the meaning of eight moreover in the terms of fractions. One-eighth means one part of the equal section of eight parts. Two-eighths mean one quarter and four-eighths make a half section. We use eighths while we split any cake and make them into quarters and then divide each of those quarters in half.


You can understand eighth properly while learning eighth in terms of the fraction. Let us learn the same in the next section.


Eighths in Fraction

Eighth in terms of a fraction means the sequential number of eighths in the number system. Eighths help us understand how many parts are being covered in the whole parts of the eighth. We will present the various fractional forms of eighth which will make our discussion clearer.


Eighths Fractions:

Eight over eight represented as 8/8

Eight over eight represented as 8/8


  • 1/8 can be read as one-eighth or one over eight.

  • 2/8 can be read as two-eighths or two over eight.

  • 3/8 can be read as three-eighths or three over eight.

  • 4/8 can be read as four-eighths or four over eight.

  • 5/8 can be read as five-eighths or five over eight.

  • 6/8 can be read as six-eighths or six over eight.

  • 7/8 can be read as seven-eighths or seven over eight.

  • 8/8 can be read as eight-eighths or eight over eight.


This was all about a basic study on eighth, you will need this learning especially while you solve fractional sums. Likewise, there are other fractions like fourth, or fifth, all these will be solved similarly. If you would like to practice the sums on this, then you can practice the fractional exercise of one-eighth.

FAQs on What Is an Eighth in Maths?

1. What does the term 'eighth' mean in mathematics?

Eighth in mathematics refers to one part when a whole is divided into eight equal sections. It is expressed as the fraction $\frac{1}{8}$. For example, if a pizza is cut into eight slices, each slice is one eighth of the pizza.

2. How is an eighth represented as a decimal and a percentage?

An eighth as a decimal is 0.125 because $\frac{1}{8} = 0.125$. As a percentage, it is 12.5% since $0.125 \times 100 = 12.5\%$. This shows fractional values in different formats.

3. What is an example of an eighth in daily life?

An eighth in daily life might be dividing a chocolate bar into eight equal pieces. Each piece then represents one eighth of the original bar, showing the concept of dividing something into equal fractions.

4. How can you convert eighths into other fractions?

You can convert eighths to other fractions by multiplication or reduction. For example:

  • $\frac{2}{8}$ simplifies to $\frac{1}{4}$
  • $\frac{4}{8}$ simplifies to $\frac{1}{2}$
Always reduce fractions to their lowest terms when possible.

5. How is eighth used in music?

In music, an eighth note is a note played for one eighth the duration of a whole note. It’s represented by a note symbol with a single flag and helps to organize rhythm by dividing beats into smaller parts.

6. What is the ordinal number for eighth?

The ordinal number for eighth is “eighth.” It shows position, meaning something is in the eighth place in a sequence. For example, “She finished eighth in the race,” indicating her place among competitors.

7. How do you write one eighth as a fraction?

One eighth is written as the fraction $\frac{1}{8}$. This means that the whole is separated into eight equal parts, and you are referring to only one of those parts when you say “one eighth.”

8. Why is understanding eighths important in fractions?

Understanding eighths helps with learning about fractions, division, and parts of a whole. It is useful in measuring, cooking, and dividing items equally, making mathematical concepts clearer in everyday situations.

9. What is the sum of two eighths and three eighths?

Adding two eighths and three eighths gives $\frac{2}{8} + \frac{3}{8} = \frac{5}{8}$. When adding fractions with the same denominator, simply add the numerators and keep the denominator unchanged.

10. How do you find one eighth of a number?

To find one eighth of a number, divide the number by 8. For example, one eighth of 40 is $40 \div 8 = 5$. This method works for any whole number or amount.

11. What does an eighth look like in a pie chart?

In a pie chart, an eighth appears as one out of eight equal slices. Each slice represents 12.5% of the whole. Visually, it shows a small yet equal section compared to the other slices.