How do you simplify # 10 div 1/2#?

1 Answer
Aug 10, 2016

#10 div 1/2 = 20#

Compare with #10 div 2 = 5#

Explanation:

#10 div 1/2# is easily confused with #10 div 2#

#10 div 1/2# asks " how many halves can I get from 10?"

If you have 10 pizzas and each is cut into two halves, there will be 20 halves altogether.

#10 div 2# asks " how many groups of 2 can I make from 10?"
There will be 5 groups of 2. #" "(2+2+2+2+2 =10)#

To divide by a fraction, multiply by its reciprocal.

#10 div 1/2 = 10 xx2/1 = 20#