Solving mathematical expressions involving fractions can be a bit tricky, but with the right approach, it becomes straightforward. Let's solve the expression 1/6 ÷ 1/2 in three easy steps.
Understanding the Problem
Before we dive into the solution, it's essential to understand what the expression 1/6 ÷ 1/2 means. In this case, we're dividing one fraction by another. To simplify this, we'll follow the order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS), which dictates that we perform division before moving on to other operations.
Step 1: Inverting the Second Fraction
When dividing fractions, we invert the second fraction and change the division sign to multiplication. So, the expression becomes:
1/6 × 2/1
Step 2: Multiplying the Fractions
Now, we multiply the numerators (1 and 2) and multiply the denominators (6 and 1). This gives us:
(1 × 2) / (6 × 1) = 2/6
Step 3: Simplifying the Result
To simplify the fraction 2/6, we find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of 2 and 6, which is 2. Dividing both the numerator and denominator by 2, we get:
2/6 = 1/3
And that's it! We've successfully solved the expression 1/6 ÷ 1/2 in three easy steps.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the order of operations in math?
+The order of operations in math is PEMDAS/BODMAS, which stands for Parentheses/Brackets, Exponents/Orders, Multiplication and Division, and Addition and Subtraction.
How do you divide fractions?
+To divide fractions, invert the second fraction and change the division sign to multiplication. Then, multiply the numerators and denominators.
What is the greatest common divisor (GCD) of two numbers?
+The greatest common divisor (GCD) of two numbers is the largest number that divides both numbers without leaving a remainder.
Don't forget to practice solving fraction expressions to become more confident in your math skills. Share this article with friends or classmates who might need help with fraction division.