Solve the Fraction Problem: 1/2 ÷ 4 Step-by-Step

Q: Why do I flip the second number when dividing fractions?

Division and multiplication are inverse operations. When you divide by a number, it's the same as multiplying by its reciprocal (flip). So dividing by 4 equals multiplying by $ \frac{1}{4} $!

Q: What if I get confused about which number to flip?

Always flip the second number (the divisor). In $ \frac{1}{2} ÷ 4 $, flip the 4 to get $ \frac{1}{4} $, then multiply: $ \frac{1}{2} \times \frac{1}{4} $.

Q: How do I multiply fractions once I've flipped?

Multiply straight across: numerator × numerator and denominator × denominator. So $ \frac{1}{2} \times \frac{1}{4} = \frac{1×1}{2×4} = \frac{1}{8} $.

Q: Can I simplify before multiplying?

Yes! Look for numbers that cancel out. In this problem, there's nothing to cancel, but always check for common factors to make calculations easier.

Fraction Division with Whole Numbers

$+\frac{1}{2}:+4=$

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:05 Let's solve this problem together!

00:08 Remember, a positive number divided by a positive number is always positive.

00:17 You can convert any number into a fraction by giving it a denominator of one.

00:22 Now, let's substitute the values into our exercise.

00:28 Remember, dividing is the same as multiplying by the reciprocal.

00:32 So, swap the numerator and denominator for the reciprocal.

00:40 Make sure to multiply the numerators together and the denominators together.

00:45 And that's the solution to the question. Great job!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

$+\frac{1}{2}:+4=$

Step-by-step solution

Let's convert 4 to a simple fraction:

$4=\frac{4}{1}$

Now the exercise we received is:

$\frac{1}{2}:\frac{4}{1}=$

Let's convert the division exercise to a multiplication exercise, and don't forget to switch the numerator and denominator in the second fraction:

$\frac{1}{2}\times\frac{1}{4}=$

We'll combine it into one multiplication exercise and solve:

$\frac{1\times1}{2\times4}=\frac{1}{8}$

Final Answer

$\frac{1}{8}$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: Division by a number equals multiplication by its reciprocal
Technique: Convert 4 to $\frac{4}{1}$ , then flip to get $\frac{1}{4}$
Check: Multiply result by divisor: $\frac{1}{8} \times 4 = \frac{1}{2}$ ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Dividing numerators and denominators separately
Don't divide $\frac{1}{2}$ by 4 as $\frac{1÷4}{2÷4} = \frac{0.25}{0.5}$ - this creates confusion and wrong calculations! Division doesn't work this way with fractions. Always convert division to multiplication by flipping the second number.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Solve the following exercise:

$(+6)\cdot(+9)=$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I flip the second number when dividing fractions?

Division and multiplication are inverse operations. When you divide by a number, it's the same as multiplying by its reciprocal (flip). So dividing by 4 equals multiplying by $\frac{1}{4}$ !

How do I convert a whole number to a fraction?

Any whole number can be written as a fraction by putting it over 1. For example: $4 = \frac{4}{1}$ , $7 = \frac{7}{1}$ . This makes division easier!

What if I get confused about which number to flip?

Always flip the second number (the divisor). In $\frac{1}{2} ÷ 4$ , flip the 4 to get $\frac{1}{4}$ , then multiply: $\frac{1}{2} \times \frac{1}{4}$ .

How do I multiply fractions once I've flipped?

Multiply straight across: numerator × numerator and denominator × denominator. So $\frac{1}{2} \times \frac{1}{4} = \frac{1×1}{2×4} = \frac{1}{8}$ .

Can I simplify before multiplying?

Yes! Look for numbers that cancel out. In this problem, there's nothing to cancel, but always check for common factors to make calculations easier.

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