Solve Mixed Number Division: 2½ ÷ ½ Step by Step

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

• Step 1: Convert the mixed number to an improper fraction.
• Step 2: Apply the division rule for fractions.
• Step 3: Simplify the resulting fraction if necessary.

Now, let's work through each step:
Step 1: Convert the mixed number $2\frac{1}{2}$ to an improper fraction.
A mixed number like $2\frac{1}{2}$ can be converted to an improper fraction by multiplying the whole number part (2) by the denominator of the fractional part (2) and then adding the numerator of the fractional part (1).
Thus, $2\frac{1}{2}$ becomes $\frac{2 \times 2 + 1}{2} = \frac{5}{2}$.

Step 2: Divide $\frac{5}{2}$ by $\frac{1}{2}$.
Dividing by a fraction is equivalent to multiplying by its reciprocal.
The reciprocal of $\frac{1}{2}$ is $2$. So, we multiply:
$\frac{5}{2} \div \frac{1}{2} = \frac{5}{2} \times 2 = \frac{5}{2} \times \frac{2}{1} = \frac{5 \times 2}{2 \times 1} = \frac{10}{2}$.

Step 3: Simplify $\frac{10}{2}$.
Here, $\frac{10}{2} = 5$.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is $5$, which corresponds to choice 3.