1/2 divided by 12
Understand the Problem
The question is asking us to divide the fraction 1/2 by the whole number 12. To solve this, we'll convert 12 into a fraction and then perform the division.
Answer
$\frac{1}{24}$
Answer for screen readers
The answer is $\frac{1}{24}$.
Steps to Solve
- Convert the whole number to a fraction
To divide a fraction by a whole number, we first convert the whole number into a fraction. The whole number 12 can be expressed as $\frac{12}{1}$.
- Set up the division of fractions
Next, we set up the division of the two fractions. To divide fractions, we multiply the first fraction by the reciprocal (the inverse) of the second fraction. Thus, we have:
$$ \frac{1}{2} \div \frac{12}{1} = \frac{1}{2} \times \frac{1}{12} $$
- Multiply the numerators and denominators
Now, we multiply the numerators together and the denominators together:
$$ \frac{1 \times 1}{2 \times 12} = \frac{1}{24} $$
- Final result
The resulting fraction from the division is $\frac{1}{24}$.
The answer is $\frac{1}{24}$.
More Information
Dividing a fraction by a whole number may seem tricky at first, but converting the whole number to a fraction and then multiplying by the reciprocal simplifies the calculation. The answer $\frac{1}{24}$ can also be interpreted as a small part from a whole, showing how division by larger numbers reduces the value of fractions significantly.
Tips
- Forgetting to convert the whole number to a fraction: Always remember to express whole numbers as fractions to perform fraction operations properly.
- Not using the reciprocal: When dividing fractions, ensure to multiply by the reciprocal of the second fraction, rather than trying to directly divide.
