To express the equation $2x - 4y = 8$ in the form $y = mx + b$, follow these steps:

1. Start with the given equation: $2x - 4y = 8$

2. Subtract $2x$ from both sides to isolate the term involving $y$: $-4y = -2x + 8$

3. Divide the entire equation by $-4$ to solve for $y$: $y = \frac{-2x}{-4} + \frac{8}{-4}$

4. Simplify the equation: $y = \frac{1}{2}x - 2$

So, the equation in the form $y = mx + b$ is: $y = \frac{1}{2}x - 2$

Would you like further details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions to deepen your understanding:

1. How do you determine the slope $m$ and the y-intercept $b$ from the equation $y = mx + b$?
2. Can you graph the equation $y = \frac{1}{2}x - 2$ and identify the slope and y-intercept on the graph?
3. What is the significance of the slope and y-intercept in the context of a linear equation?
4. How would you convert a different linear equation, like $3x + 6y = 12$, into the slope-intercept form?
5. How can the slope $m$ help determine if two lines are parallel or perpendicular?

Tip: The slope $m$ represents the steepness of the line, and the y-intercept $b$ is where the line crosses the y-axis.