Simplifying Fractions: 1/2 × 1/4
When it comes to working with fractions, multiplication is an essential operation to understand. In this article, we'll explore the result of multiplying two fractions, specifically 1/2 and 1/4.
What is 1/2 × 1/4 as a Fraction?
To multiply fractions, we need to follow the correct procedure. The formula for multiplying fractions is:
a/b × c/d = (a × c) / (b × d)
In our case, we have:
1/2 × 1/4 = (1 × 1) / (2 × 4)
Simplifying the numerator (1 × 1) and the denominator (2 × 4), we get:
1/2 × 1/4 = 1/8
So, the result of multiplying 1/2 and 1/4 is 1/8.
Real-World Applications
Understanding how to multiply fractions is crucial in various real-world scenarios, such as:
Cooking and Recipes
When scaling recipes up or down, multiplication of fractions is essential to maintain the correct proportions of ingredients.
Finance and Business
In finance, fractions are used to represent proportions of investments, interest rates, and other financial metrics. Multiplying fractions helps calculate returns on investments, interest rates, and more.
Science and Engineering
Fractions are widely used in scientific and engineering applications, such as calculating ratios, proportions, and scaling factors.
Conclusion
In conclusion, multiplying fractions is a fundamental operation in mathematics, and understanding the concept is crucial in various aspects of life. By following the correct procedure, we can simplify complex fractions and arrive at a simplified answer. In this case, 1/2 × 1/4 = 1/8.
