1. **State the problem:** Reduce the fraction $\frac{8}{72}$ to its simplest form. 2. **Formula and rules:** To simplify a fraction, divide the numerator and denominator by their Greatest Common Factor (GCF). 3. **Find factors:** - Factors of 8: 1, 2, 4, 8 - Factors of 72: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 72 4. **Find the GCF:** The common factors are 1, 2, 4, 8. The greatest is $8$. 5. **Simplify:** $$\frac{8}{72} = \frac{8 \div 8}{72 \div 8} = \frac{1}{9}$$ **Final answer:** $\frac{1}{9}$ This process applies similarly to other fractions.