Solve 1×(1/2)÷2: Mixed Operations with Fractions

Multiplication and division have equal priority in the order of operations! When operations have the same priority level, you must work from left to right, just like reading a sentence.

To divide $\frac{1}{2}:2$, multiply the fraction by the reciprocal of 2: $\frac{1}{2}\times\frac{1}{2}=\frac{1}{4}$. Or simply multiply the denominator by 2!

The colon (:) symbol means division, just like the ÷ symbol! So $\frac{1}{2}:2$ is the same as $\frac{1}{2}\div2$.

No! You must follow the order of operations rules. Even though $1\times\frac{1}{4}$ might seem easier, changing the order gives a different mathematical meaning to the expression.

Work through step by step: $1\times\frac{1}{2}=\frac{1}{2}$, then $\frac{1}{2}:2=\frac{1}{4}$. You can also convert everything to decimals: 1 × 0.5 ÷ 2 = 0.25 = 1/4 ✓