1/2 x 75: Understanding the Basics of Fractions
What is 1/2 x 75?
In mathematics, the expression 1/2 x 75 represents a multiplication operation between a fraction and a whole number. Specifically, it involves multiplying the fraction 1/2 by the number 75.
Understanding Fractions
Before we dive into the calculation, let's quickly review what fractions are. A fraction is a way to represent a part of a whole. It consists of a numerator (the top number) and a denominator (the bottom number). In this case, the fraction is 1/2, where 1 is the numerator and 2 is the denominator.
Calculating 1/2 x 75
To calculate the result of 1/2 x 75, we need to follow the order of operations (PEMDAS):
- Multiply the numerator (1) by 75: 1 x 75 = 75
- Divide the result by the denominator (2): 75 ÷ 2 = 37.5
Therefore, 1/2 x 75 = 37.5.
Real-World Applications
Fractions and multiplication are essential in various real-world scenarios, such as:
- Cooking: When scaling up or down a recipe, you might need to multiply fractions of ingredients.
- Finance: In investments, fractions can represent percentages or ratios of gains or losses.
- Science: Fractions are used to describe proportions of mixtures or concentrations of solutions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 1/2 x 75 is a simple yet important mathematical operation that involves multiplying a fraction by a whole number. Understanding fractions and how to work with them is crucial in various aspects of life.
