Final answer:
The closest benchmark number to 4/8 is 1/2 (option a).
Step-by-step explanation:
The closest benchmark number to 4/8 is 1/2 (option a).
To find the benchmark number, we look for a fraction that is equivalent to 4/8, but simplified to its lowest terms. To simplify 4/8, we divide both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor, which is 4. So, 4/8 simplified is 1/2.
Therefore, the closest benchmark number to 4/8 is 1/2.