Square of a Fraction Problem: Simplifying (1/2)²

The exponent applies to the entire fraction! When you see ($\frac{1}{2}$)², it means $\frac{1}{2} \times \frac{1}{2}$. Multiplying fractions gives you $\frac{1 \times 1}{2 \times 2} = \frac{1}{4}$.

Yes! $\frac{1²}{2} = \frac{1}{2}$ because only the numerator is squared. But ($\frac{1}{2}$)² = $\frac{1²}{2²} = \frac{1}{4}$ because the whole fraction is squared.

Think of it as: "Power outside, power inside!" The exponent outside the parentheses goes to both the numerator and denominator inside. Practice with simple examples like ($\frac{1}{3}$)² = $\frac{1}{9}$.

Break it down step by step! First identify: numerator = 1, denominator = 2, exponent = 2. Then calculate: 1² = 1 and 2² = 4. Finally write: $\frac{1}{4}$.

You could convert $\frac{1}{2} = 0.5$, then square to get 0.25, then convert back to $\frac{1}{4}$. But working with fractions directly is usually faster and more accurate!