Compare Fractions: Find the Missing Symbol Between 2/8 and 4/16

We will compare the fractions $\frac{2}{8}$ and $\frac{4}{16}$ by simplifying them to their lowest terms.

Step 1: Simplify $\frac{2}{8}$:
The greatest common divisor (GCD) of 2 and 8 is 2.
Dividing the numerator and the denominator by 2 gives us:
$\frac{2}{8} = \frac{2 \div 2}{8 \div 2} = \frac{1}{4}$

Step 2: Simplify $\frac{4}{16}$:
The greatest common divisor (GCD) of 4 and 16 is 4.
Dividing the numerator and the denominator by 4 gives us:
$\frac{4}{16} = \frac{4 \div 4}{16 \div 4} = \frac{1}{4}$

Step 3: Compare the simplified fractions:
Both $\frac{1}{4}$ and $\frac{1}{4}$ are equal.

Therefore, the correct comparison sign to fill in the blank is $=$.