What is half of 3 and 1/4 cups?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking us to find half of 3 and 1/4 cups. This involves converting the mixed number to an improper fraction and then dividing it by 2.
Answer
$1\frac{5}{8}$
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is (1\frac{5}{8}) cups.
Steps to Solve
- Convert the mixed number to an improper fraction
To convert the mixed number (3\frac{1}{4}) to an improper fraction, multiply the whole number by the denominator and add the numerator. The denominator remains the same.
[ 3 \cdot 4 + 1 = 12 + 1 = 13 ] So, (3\frac{1}{4} = \frac{13}{4}).
- Divide the improper fraction by 2
Now, we need to divide (\frac{13}{4}) by 2. Dividing by 2 is the same as multiplying by (\frac{1}{2}).
[ \frac{13}{4} \div 2 = \frac{13}{4} \cdot \frac{1}{2} = \frac{13 \cdot 1}{4 \cdot 2} = \frac{13}{8} ]
- Convert the improper fraction back to a mixed number (if needed)
The improper fraction (\frac{13}{8}) can be converted back to a mixed number. Divide 13 by 8.
[ 13 \div 8 = 1\text{ (whole part)}, \text{ remainder } 5 ]
So, (\frac{13}{8} = 1\frac{5}{8}).
The final answer is (1\frac{5}{8}) cups.
More Information
Half of (3\frac{1}{4}) cups is (1\frac{5}{8}) cups. This means if you have that amount of a liquid or ingredient, you can use it effectively in a recipe or measurement situation.
Tips
- Forgetting to convert the mixed number to an improper fraction before dividing.
- Multiplying instead of dividing when handling fractions.
