what is 1/2 of 2/3?

Question

I don't know which category this falls under since it's been over 40 years since I was in math.  I hope you can tell me anyway.  Thanks!

Answer 1

1/2 of 2/3 is the same as saying 1/2 multiplied by 2/3.

 

(1/2) x (2/3)                             I have simply put in brackets so as not to get confused

= (1x2) / (2x3)

= 2 / 6

 

This can then be simplied as 2 and 6 both have a common factor of 2 (this means that both 2 and 6 can be divided by 2 and still remain whole numbers)

 

2 / 6

= (1x2) / (3x2)

= (1 / 3) x (2 / 2)

 

And since 2/2 is the same as saying 1   (i.e.   2/2 = 1    )

 

So the answer is,

(1 / 3) x (2 /2)

= 1/3