RE: Why do they say 4/8
 

There is nothing mathmatically incorrect orimproper about using the fraction 4/8 or6/8 instead of 1/2 or 3/4. Though it's quite common to reduce to the least common factor it's certainly not necessary. For scoring deer it's perfectly reasonable to keep all values in eighths. As someone said, it makes comparing numbers easier if the denominator is held constant.

RE: Why do they say 4/8
 

kant tawk oar rite neethar.

seriously though, metric system, its time.

RE: Why do they say 4/8
 

The standard measurement in the lumber industry is 1/4's. For instance, a 2" board is referred to as an 8/4. And the size refers to the size of the board rough, before it is planed and ready to sell, so a 2x4 actually starts out as a 2" x 4" but once it is planed on all 4 sides, it is only 1 3/4" x 3 3/4".

RE: Why do they say 4/8
 

yes i knew that in the old days 2x4s were just that 2x4s
i am redoing a old house 1920s
that has true 2x4 that measure 2x4 but are not smooth or beveled on the edges they are rough cut 2x4s
some even go from 2x4 to 2 1/2x41/2 or lower