6. In the school band, \( \frac{8}{24} \) of the members play the trumpet. In simplest form, what fraction of the band plays the trumpet?

To simplify the fraction \( \frac{8}{24} \), we can divide both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor, which is 8. So, \( \frac{8 \div 8}{24 \div 8} = \frac{1}{3} \). This means that in simplest form, \( \frac{1}{3} \) of the band members play the trumpet. For a fun twist, did you know that the trumpet has been a part of military and classical music for centuries? Its bright, bold tone can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where it was used to signal events or gather troops! Today, trumpets are integral in jazz, marching bands, and orchestras, showcasing their versatility! You might find it helpful to remember that simplifying fractions is about breaking them down to their easiest form. A common mistake is to forget to look for the greatest common divisor, which can lead to incomplete simplification. Always check both numbers for divisibility first!