Converting Fractions to Decimals: 1/2 of 1 1/4 Cups
When it comes to cooking and baking, understanding fractions and how to convert them to decimals is crucial. One common question that arises is how to calculate 1/2 of 1 1/4 cups. In this article, we will explore the steps to solve this problem and provide a clear answer.
Understanding the Problem
To solve this problem, we need to break it down into two parts: understanding the mixed number 1 1/4 cups and calculating half of it.
What is 1 1/4 Cups?
A mixed number is a combination of a whole number and a fraction. In this case, 1 1/4 cups is equal to 1 whole cup plus 1/4 cup. To make it easier to work with, we can convert the mixed number to an improper fraction.
Converting Mixed Numbers to Improper Fractions
To convert a mixed number to an improper fraction, we multiply the whole number part (1) by the denominator (4) and then add the numerator (1). This gives us:
1 × 4 + 1 = 5
So, 1 1/4 cups is equal to 5/4 cups.
Calculating Half of 1 1/4 Cups
Now that we have converted the mixed number to an improper fraction, we can calculate half of it. To do this, we divide the numerator (5) by 2:
5 ÷ 2 = 2.5
So, half of 1 1/4 cups is equal to 2.5/4 cups or 2 1/2/4 cups.
Converting to a Decimal
To make it easier to work with, we can convert the fraction to a decimal by dividing the numerator (2.5) by the denominator (4):
2.5 ÷ 4 = 0.625
So, half of 1 1/4 cups is equal to approximately 0.625 cups.
In Conclusion
In this article, we have shown how to calculate 1/2 of 1 1/4 cups by converting the mixed number to an improper fraction, calculating half of it, and then converting the result to a decimal. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, understanding fractions and how to convert them to decimals is an essential skill to master.
