what is 6 divided by 1 2

Guri Bee

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20-10-2024

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6 Divided by 1/2: Understanding Division by Fractions

Dividing by a fraction might seem tricky at first, but it's actually quite straightforward. Let's break down the question "What is 6 divided by 1/2?" and explore the concept behind it.

The Concept of Division

Division is essentially the process of splitting a whole into equal parts. When we say "6 divided by 2," we're asking "how many times does 2 fit into 6?" The answer, of course, is 3.

Dividing by a Fraction: The Flip and Multiply Rule

Now, let's look at dividing by a fraction. The key is to remember that dividing by a fraction is the same as multiplying by its reciprocal.

The reciprocal of a fraction is simply flipping the numerator and denominator. For example, the reciprocal of 1/2 is 2/1.

Applying this to our problem:

• 6 divided by 1/2 is the same as 6 multiplied by 2/1.

Calculation:

• 6 x 2/1 = 12/1 = 12

Therefore, 6 divided by 1/2 is equal to 12.

Intuitive Understanding

Imagine you have 6 pizzas and want to split them into portions that are half a pizza each. How many portions would you have? You would have 12 portions.

This demonstrates that dividing by a fraction (1/2) is the same as multiplying by its reciprocal (2/1).

Additional Notes

• Dividing by 1 is the same as multiplying by 1. This is why dividing by 1/2 is equivalent to multiplying by 2.
• This concept applies to all divisions by fractions. To divide by any fraction, flip it and multiply.

Source:

The content above is based on my own understanding of mathematics, as well as information found in various online resources.