How do you divide #2\frac { 1} { 2} \div \frac { 1} { 2}#?

1 Answer
Mar 2, 2018

#5#

Explanation:

dividing a number by #1/2# is the same as multiplying it by #2#.

#2 1/2 div 1/2 = 2 1/2 * 2#

#2 1/2# can be separated into #2# and #1/2#. these numbers can each be multiplied by #2:#

#2 1/2 * 2 = (2 * 2) + (1/2 * 2)#

#2 * 2 = 4#

#1/2 * 2 = 1#

and then added together:

#2 1/2 * 2 = 4 + 1 = 5#

this means that #2 1/2 div 1/2# is #5#.