Learn how to solve the arithmetic problem “What is 1/2 divided by 2” step-by-step in this informative article. Understand division and the order of operations.

As one of the fundamental arithmetic operations, division is used to divide a number into equal parts. It is a common operation that we use in our daily lives, from sharing a pizza with friends to calculating our monthly expenses. However, some people find it difficult to understand division, which can lead to errors in their calculations.

In this article, we will explain what 1/2 divided by 2 is and provide a step-by-step guide on how to solve it. We will also discuss the order of operations and common mistakes people make when dividing numbers.

Understanding Division

Division is an arithmetic operation that involves dividing a number by another number to get a quotient. The symbol for division is ÷ or /, and the number being divided is called the dividend, while the number dividing it is called the divisor. The result of division is called the quotient.

For example, if we divide 10 by 2, the dividend is 10, the divisor is 2, and the quotient is 5. The equation can be written as:

10 ÷ 2 = 5

In this case, we can say that we are dividing 10 into two equal parts, and each part is equal to 5.

The Order of Operations

When solving arithmetic problems that involve multiple operations, it is essential to follow the order of operations to get the correct answer. The order of operations is a set of rules that dictate the order in which operations should be performed. The acronym PEMDAS is often used to remember the order of operations:

• Parentheses: Perform operations inside parentheses first.
• Exponents: Perform any exponents (ie powers or square roots) next.
• Multiplication and Division: Perform multiplication and division operations from left to right.
• Addition and Subtraction: Perform addition and subtraction operations from left to right.

By following the order of operations, we can ensure that we get the correct answer to a problem.

Next, we’ll look at how to solve 1/2 divided by 2 using the order of operations.

The Order of Operations

The order of operations is important because it helps us to avoid confusion and get the correct answer when solving arithmetic problems. Without following the correct order, we might end up with an incorrect answer.

The order of operations is often abbreviated as PEMDAS, which stands for parentheses, exponents, multiplication and division, and addition and subtraction. This means that when solving a problem, we should perform any operations within parentheses first, then any exponents, followed by any multiplication or division operations from left to right, and finally any addition or subtraction operations from left to right.

For example, let’s consider the problem:

8 ÷ 2 + 3 x 4 – 2

To solve this problem using PEMDAS, we would perform the multiplication first, then the division, followed by the addition and subtraction. The steps would be:

8 ÷ 2 + 3 x 4 – 2
= 4 + 12 – 2
= 14

By following the order of operations, we can see that the answer to this problem is 14.

Solving 1/2 ÷ 2

Now, let’s look at how to solve 1/2 ÷ 2 using the order of operations. The first step is to rewrite the problem as a fraction:

1/2 ÷ 2 = 1/2 x 1/2

Next, we can simplify the multiplication of fractions by multiplying the numerators and denominators separately:

1/2 x 1/2 = 1 x 1 / 2 x 2 = 1/4

Therefore, the answer to the problem 1/2 ÷ 2 is 1/4. By following the order of operations, we can see that we need to perform the division first and then the multiplication, which leads us to the correct answer.

Common Mistakes in Division

Division is a simple arithmetic operation, but it is not uncommon to make mistakes when dividing numbers. One common mistake is forgetting to follow the order of operations. For instance, some people may add or subtract before they multiply or divide, which can lead to incorrect results.

Another common mistake is dividing by zero. Division by zero is undefined, and any attempt to do so will result in an error. Therefore, it is important to be aware of this and avoid dividing by zero.

Additionally, some people may forget to simplify their answers. For instance, 1/4 divided by 2 can be simplified to 1/8. Failing to simplify the answer can lead to unnecessary errors.

Tips on How to Avoid Mistakes in Division

To avoid errors when dividing numbers, it is essential to follow the order of operations. By following PEMDAS, you can ensure that you perform each operation in the correct order.

Another way to avoid mistakes in division is to simplify fractions before dividing them. For instance, to divide 3/4 by 2, you can simplify 3/4 to 0.75 and then divide by 2 to get 0.375.

It is also important to be aware of the common mistakes people make when dividing numbers. By being conscious of these mistakes, you can avoid making them yourself.

Ultimately, practice makes perfect when it comes to division. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will become with the operation, and the less likely you will be to make mistakes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, division is a fundamental arithmetic operation that we use in our daily lives. Understanding how to divide numbers correctly is essential for making accurate calculations. By following the order of operations, simplifying fractions, and being aware of common mistakes, you can avoid errors when dividing numbers. Practicing division regularly can also help you improve your skills and become more confident in your calculations.