What is 1/2 divided by 1/4?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking to calculate the result of dividing the fraction one-half by one-fourth. To do this, we will use the rule that dividing by a fraction is the same as multiplying by its reciprocal.
Answer
2
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is 2
Steps to Solve
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Convert the division to multiplication by the reciprocal
To divide by a fraction, multiply by its reciprocal. The reciprocal of ( \frac{1}{4} ) is ( 4 ).
$$ \frac{1}{2} \div \frac{1}{4} = \frac{1}{2} \times 4 $$
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Multiply the fractions
Multiply the numerator of the first fraction by the numerator of the second fraction, and the denominator of the first fraction by the denominator of the second fraction.
$$ \frac{1}{2} \times 4 = \frac{1 \times 4}{2} = \frac{4}{2} $$
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Simplify the result
Divide the numerator by the denominator to simplify the fraction ( \frac{4}{2} ).
$$ \frac{4}{2} = 2 $$
The final answer is 2
More Information
Division by a fraction can always be done by multiplying by its reciprocal. This simplifies the operation greatly.
Tips
A common mistake is to forget to multiply by the reciprocal and instead try to divide the numerators and denominators directly.
